Category Archives: News

Good news for the Deerfield River brown trout

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Background:  Wild Brown Trout Spawning Studies conducted by the Deerfield River Watershed Chapter of Trout Unlimited (DRWTU) volunteers, under the guidance of Dr. Michael Cole, of Cole Ecological, Inc. of Greenfield, in 2017, and Dr. Erin Rodgers, of Trout Unlimited, in 2018, documented that brown trout were successfully spawning in the upper Fife Brook section of the Deerfield River.

But the studies also revealed that winter conditions were destroying many of the eggs during periods of minimum flow. The irrefutable results in these studies convinced MA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that the damage to wild trout from Fife Brook’s winter flow regime needed to be addressed. Thank goodness, the DEP declined to authorize the Water Quality Certificate – mandated in the FERC re-licensing process – until this issue could be resolved.

The outcome was an Agreement negotiated between DRWTU (under the umbrella of Trout Unlimited, Inc), MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, MA Division of Natural Heritage and Endangered Species, Brookfield Renewable Power and MA DEP that will benefit the wild brown trout as well as other aquatic organisms in the river. It is noteworthy that DRWTU was the only non-governmental agency that signed-on to be an Intervenor in the process.

An Agreement with Brookfield Renewable Power Company will allow for increased minimum winter flows from their Fife Brook Dam and Bear Swamp Pump Storage Operations on the Deerfield River. The Agreement was approved by MA DEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg on September 27. The Agreement is part of DEP’s Water Quality Certification process, which is directly tied to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) Re-Licensing of Brookfield’s Fife Brook Dam and Bear Swamp Pump Storage Operations. In late 2025 or early 2026, the winter minimum flow at Fife Brook Dam will increase from 125 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 225 cfs for the period from November 1 to April 15 every year going forward.

The Agreement also provides for a $125,000 fund, paid by Brookfield Power, for ecological projects on the Deerfield.

“This is a huge victory for the ecology of the river,” said Eric Halloran, president of the DRWTU. “We know from our spawning studies that the lack of water during minimum flows was killing off nearly 40 percent of the trout redds (nests) and eggs over the course of the winter. The eggs suffered as a result of being de-watered, exposed to the air, and frozen. The minor increase in river flow negotiated in this agreement will keep the eggs covered with water throughout the winter and allow more eggs to hatch in the spring. More trout will hatch and increase the number of wild fish in the river.”

Picture provided by Deerfield River Watershed TU

“Achieving Intervenor status gave us a seat at the table and a stronger bargaining position than we could ever have achieved by simply commenting on the outcome from the sidelines.” Halloran noted. “We’re incredibly pleased with this outcome and there were many years of hard work and countless hours of volunteer time that led to this moment.” Halloran specifically praised Springfield attorney Christopher Myhrum, who specializes in environmental law, for volunteering his services to lead the negotiation effort. Halloran also thanked former DRWTU President and Vice-President Kevin Parsons, Esq., and Christopher Jackson, a veteran fishing guide on the Deerfield, for pushing DRWTU’s agenda in the re-licensing process for 10 years.

DRWTU hopes that this historic achievement will be a crucial step in creating the Commonwealth’s first Wild Trout Management Area, where an improved ecosystem will allow fly fishers of today and tomorrow to appreciate a healthy population of wily, wild Brown Trout.”

Personally, I am particularly proud that our local chapter of TU (Taconic Chapter) helped in this effort by contributing funds and volunteer hours during this process. Well that they should, for many local anglers fly fish that river.  But the bulk of the work was conducted by the DRWTU volunteers.  Congratulations fellow anglers for the job well done. You have made Massachusetts’ premier trout river even better.

Time to bone up on our hunting laws

Now that many of the hunting seasons are open, hunters are (or should be) aware of the various regulations governing them.  Laws governing such subjects as daily harvest totals, hunting tags, the type of hunting tools allowed, hunter red requirements, etc. are generally known by hunters and are abided with in order to stay out of trouble with the law.

But tucked away in the abstracts are other not so obvious regulations which can also get you into trouble if violated. Let’s review some:

Tree Stands: Written permission of the landowner (on either public or private lands) is required to construct or use any tree stand which is fastened to a tree by nails, bolts, wire, or other fasteners that intrude through the bark into the wood of the tree, or that is fastened or erected in any manner and is emplaced for a period exceeding 30 days. This includes hang-on tree stands.

Landowner permission:  Hunting, fishing, and trapping are permitted on private land that is not posted against trespass; however, some towns have bylaws that require written permission. As a courtesy, ask the landowner for permission in advance. If you plan to use wildlife/trail cameras on private land, seek permission for that activity as well. Landowners with posted land may provide (written) permission for individuals to access their property. Written landowner permission is required to trap on posted land.

Hunters should check for relevant town bylaws pertaining to any written permission requirements and restrictions on discharge of firearms.

Landowner Liability: Landowners permitting use of their property for recreation without charging a fee are not liable for injuries to recreational users of the property except in cases of willful, wanton, or reckless conduct by the owner.

Careless and negligent use of firearms:   Fines of up to $500 and/or 6 months imprisonment and loss of license for 5 years.  In some cases, licenses could be revoked for one year in addition to other penalties; fines of up to $1,000, restitutions, and/or one year in jail.

Use of handguns:   Handguns are not allowed for deer hunting and may not be in your possession while deer hunting.

Animals tagged for research: Some bear, deer, coyotes, and other animals may have ear tags or radio collars. It is legal to harvest them. If you find or take one of these animals, contact MassWildlife’s Field Headquarters (508) 389-6300 immediately. You will be asked for information that will help biologists determine the source and status of these animals and you will be asked to return the equipment to MassWildlife.

Hunter harassment:  No person shall obstruct, interfere with or otherwise prevent the lawful taking of fish or wildlife by another at the locale where such activity is taking place. It shall be a violation for a person to intentionally (1) drive or disturb wildlife or fish for the purpose of interrupting a lawful taking; (2) block, follow, impede or otherwise harass another who is engaged in the lawful taking of fish or wildlife; (3) use natural or artificial visual, aural, olfactory or physical stimulus to effect wildlife in order to hinder or prevent such taking; (4) erect barriers with the intent to deny ingress or egress to areas where the lawful taking of wildlife may occur; (5) interject himself into the line of fire; (6) effect the condition or placement of personal or public property intended for use in the taking of wildlife; or (7) enter or remain upon public lands, or upon private lands without the permission of the owner or his agent, with intent to violate this section.. A person who sustains damage as a result of any act which is in violation of this section may bring a civil action for punitive damages. Environmental protection officers and other law enforcement officers with arrest powers shall be authorized to enforce the provisions.

This section shall not apply to the owners of the lands or waters or tenants or other persons acting under the authority of such owners of the lands or waters.

Wanton Waste:  And, of course, there is the recently enacted Wanton Waste laws where it is unlawful for any person while hunting or trapping to waste an animal. Each retrieved animal shall be retained or transferred to another until processed or used for food, the pelt, feathers, or taxidermy.

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

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

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

The following is the full list of projects:

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

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

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

Archery deer hunting and fall turkey hunting starts next week

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

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

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

Good luck hunters and be careful.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MassWildlife’s stocking procedures are questioned.

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

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

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

 

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

 

Drivers, brake for moose and deer

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

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

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

 

Small game, upland game and waterfowl hunting seasons are opening next week

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Time to oil up the pea shooter, check out the decoys, waterproof your boots, etc.  Monday, October 10 begins the hunting seasons for Regular Geese and Ducks in our area.  Its important that you check the waterfowl regulations for there is a myriad of regulations, including the use of non-toxic shot, HIP compliance, State and Federal permits required, kinds and numbers of ducks that can be harvested, etc. You are requested to report all banded bird information to www.reportband.gov. Don’t forget to wear your personal floatation vest if applicable.

Incidentally, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in domestic and wild birds in MA. Because common eiders were impacted by HPAI, hunters across the Atlantic flyway are being asked to voluntarily avoid shooting hens and young, brown eiders this season.

common eiders photo provided by MassWildlife

 

Next Saturday, October 15, the ringneck pheasant, ruffed grouse, cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare and coyote seasons open statewide. Remember, this year there is a new pheasant/quail permit which is required for pheasant hunters.  It costs $4.00 this year.  As previously noted, it is imperative that you check and abide by the regulations covering these game species.

 

The woods are busy this time of year so be careful. Bring some tick protection spray along and, remember, no hunting on Sundays in Massachusetts.

Bear hunting season off to a good start

According to preliminary figures provided by MassWildlife some 153 black bears were harvested statewide in this year’s September bear hunting season.  That compares with 112 that were taken last year. According to DFW Western District Supervisor, Andrew Madden, it is a “solid number” for them and puts them on pace for a good overall season.

The second bear season opens on November 7 and runs to November 26

Lately, some bear hunters have expressed concern about shooting a bear that is collared.  Their concern is whether or not people should eat the meat that has been previously immobilized by a dart.  I took that question to David Wattles, DFW Black Bear & Furbearer Biologist and here is his response:

“It is perfectly safe to harvest and eat a bear that is ear tagged or collared. The ear tags enable us to identify the bear, so we can determine the last time it was handled. If we had a bear that was very recently handled and taken in the hunting season, we would notify the hunter not to consume it. That being said, it is safe to consume meat from a bear that has received immobilization drugs 15 days after handling. It is very common practice for bears to be immobilized, tagged, hunted, and eaten throughout the U.S. without negative results.”

 

“I should note” he wrote, “that we also make every effort not to handle bears during or shortly before hunting season. None of our collared bears have been handled since late June and the vast majority of them not since March or before. Our trapping season ends in early July and only bears relocated in emergency situations would have been handled since then. I believe there are at most only 2-3 in the whole state since July and all of those would be safe to consume by now.”

 

Tri-Club skeet shooting results

Bill Stanard, spokesman for the Sheffield Sportsmen’s Club, reported the results of the Tri-Club Skeet Shooting Tournament which took place last Sunday after two years of no tournament because of the covid 19 pandemic.  The Sheffield Sportsmen’s Club won.

 

The scores were:   Sheffield – 1,348, Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club – 1,270 (second) and Lee Sportsmen’s Association – 1,258.  (third)

 

Ryan Shimmon was high scorer for Sheffield with scores of 45,46 and 49 out of 50 shots.

 

Fall trout stocking is underway

Children stocking trout, picture provided by MassWildlife

MassWildlife has begun its trout stockings here in the Western District.  As of October 3, they have stocked the following waters: Stockbridge Bowl, Onota Lake, Lake Buel, Goose Pond, Laurel Lake, North Pond, Windsor Lake, Windsor Pond, Otis Reservoir, Richmond Pond and Ashfield Lake.  They have also stocked the Deerfield and East Branch of the Westfield River (C&R).  With the exception of Ashfield Lake, which was stocked with brown trout, all of the other waters received stockings of rainbow trout.

 

DFW trout stocking program questioned

 

From time to time, I receive correspondence from readers expressing their opinions on items written in this column.  The following is one that I received from a close friend and well- known and respected local environmentalist/conservationist. Far from being an expert, the letter probably should have been forwarded to the DFW, and a better response given, but because of our friendship, I responded as following:

 

Question: “I completely support protecting and restoring brook trout habitat! But why on earth does DFW stock non-native trout that can out compete our native brookies for food?  I oppose DFW wasting money on fish stocking. What do you think?”

 

Response:  Your questions regarding the stocking policy of the DFW with regard to brook trout is bona-fide and deserves a serious response.  I will give you my take on it.

 

As you probably know, the only native trout in the eastern US, were brook trout (actually char).  They were plentiful and easy to catch and our forefathers were greedy (or hungry) and caught more than their share, resulting in bringing the numbers down to near extinction.  Surviving populations existed only in the remotest, most difficult places to access such as in Maine, Labrador, and a few secret spots here in the Berkshires.

Sometime in the late 1800’s fish biologists began to fear that the native brook trout population would be wiped out completely if no action was taken and because of that, began to look into importing and introducing other types of trout to our area.  It was either that or ban trout fishing altogether, which no one would accept.

Brown Trout from Europe and Rainbow Trout from out west were introduced to our waters with the probable thought being that some trout fishing was better than no trout fishing (and eating).  The new, non-native trout took hold nicely and provided anglers with fishing (and) immeasurable enjoyment (catching them.)  Unfortunately, the larger stocked trout out-competed the wild trout (for food) for a while until the warmer months when the wild guys have the advantage of knowing where to find cooler waters necessary for their survival.

Fast forward to now.  If brown and rainbow trout fishing was not allowed here, there would probably be no trout fishing whatsoever.  Yes, DFW stocks hatchery brook trout, but they would be caught out fairly rapidly and are not as tough or resilient as the native guys. (Put and take, thus leaving the native guys alone.)

MassWildlife is generally careful about where they stock the non-native fish, taking pains to leave wild brook habitat pretty much alone or stocking at the lower, larger reaches of the rivers while leaving the upper, cooler reaches of the river to the wild brookies.  I say generally as there are a few streams which are stocked which would perhaps be better off left alone.  But those streams (usually) are stocked mainly in neighborhoods for kids to fish and they want to go home with some nice fish.

The raising and stocking of these non-native trout, has provided a lot of employment as well as enjoyment for anglers over the years.  In some cases, it got the kids out of doors and have inspired youths to take up the sport which often times led to interests in other environmental issues. (I did).

Many kids don’t understand the concept of preserving the wild brookie and are only interested in catching a trout and bringing it home to mom or dad.  (I can speak from experience because each year, the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen has a Youth Outreach fishing day, mainly for kids who would otherwise not have the opportunity to go fishing.  You should see the look of glee on their faces when they catch a trout.)

By not stocking them, are we not depriving kids of that pleasure?

So, as you see, the answer to your question is complicated. And you are not alone in your concerns. There is a movement by some groups such as the Native Fish Coalition to do less such stocking.

Far from a perfect solution, I personally think the MassWildlife is addressing the trout stocking issue fairly well.

Is the drought finally over?

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Well, maybe.  This summer’s drought was so bad that it was compared with the one that occurred in the Berkshires in 1955. For a while this year, there was concern that the State would perhaps temporarily close down the woods to hunting. They sometimes do that.

I remember that bad drought of 1955 when my dear life-long friend, Jerry Zink and I were only 12 years old.  We used to fish all of the little brooks in and around Lenox with great success.  Heck, all the brooks in those days contained wild brook trout, commonly referred to as “speckled trout”.

But that year, most of the brooks dried up or nearly so, and we were forced to fish the lakes instead.  One day that summer, we decided to fish Laurel Lake in Lee/Lenox.  What we saw there when we arrived was unbelievable.  It seemed like one third of the lake was dry.  From the shore of the south west side of the lake near the old “White Bridge” there was no water.  The channel which crossed under the bridge was there, but it contained no water.

We were able to walk across parts of the lake from the Highlawn Farm side to a point on the west shore, now known as Edith Wharton Park, and then across the dry cove to where Sargent Brook entered from the northeast.  Only a couple of large puddles or pools which contained a few trapped sunfish were there.

We then walked along the water east toward the dam outlet near Rte. 20.  For sure, there was water in the middle of the lake, for it normally is over 50 feet deep there, but it was considerably smaller.  When we got to a point which is now close to the boat ramp on Rte. 20, we were able to walk across to a point of land on the other side, not too far from Lee Beach.  The outlet channel was there, but there was little if any water in it.  The dry lake bottom actually went uphill to reach the dam.

We surmised that the drought along with the withdrawal of water from the lake by a paper making mill in Lee caused the excessive condition.

It was an eerie sight and every time there has been a drought around here in the Berkshires, my thoughts immediately return to that time, that place

I wonder if any other old timers (er…seniors) remember that sight.

Fall trout stocking

MassWildlife reports that over 63,000 trout will be stocked across Massachusetts starting around mid-September. Summer may be winding down, but the fishing opportunities are still going strong and fall is a great time to fish.

Trout stocking will begin when water temperatures start to cool down, around the middle of September. When stocking begins, locations will be updated daily on the MassWildlife trout stocking map page. You can click any point on the map for more information.

The breakdown of the 63,000 trout is as follows:

  • about 33,000 rainbow trout over 12 inches
  • about 26,100 rainbow trout over 14 inches
  • about 4,000 brown trout over 9 inches

The Western District will probably receive 20% of them.

Local waters typically stocked in the fall include:  Ashfield Pond, Deerfield River, Littleville Dam, East Branch of the Westfield River, Upper Highland Lake, Pontoosuc Lake, Laurel Lake, Lake Buel, Windsor Lake, Windsor Pond, Goose Pond, Otis Reservoir, Onota Lake and Stockbridge Bowl.

 

Incidentally, with the drought hopefully over and our streams coming back to normal fall levels, the native brook trout will start their migrations upstream to conduct their fall spawning.

Watch for them and expect them to be in their full fall colors.

Grandmas/grandpas like to fish, too!

Gloria Zink holding nice bass. Picture provided by Zink family

As readers are aware, I often feature pictures of young boys, girls, moms and dads who have had great days out fishing, including pictures of their big fish.  But, for some reason I rarely, if ever, have shown or written about grandmas or grandpas, especially fishing together.

Well, this past week I received correspondence from my buddy Jerry Zink now residing in Berlin, NY (yes, the same Jerry previously mentioned) telling of the great days he and his wife Gloria have been having fishing Ashmere Lake in Hinsdale this summer. They oftentimes fish with grandsons Kyle and Kaleb who catch whoppers, too.

Jerry Zink holding a nice pickerel. Picture provided by Zink family.

They always let the bass and pickerel go but now and then keep a few perch, panfish and crappie for fish fries.

The picture of Gloria holding that 4 lbs. bass was taken a few years ago, but rest assured she has often caught similar bass this year.  She also recently caught a 24 inch, 4lbs pickerel just last week.

Live on the Lake

Too bad Jerry and Gloria weren’t fishing up there last Sunday evening, because for a while the air was filled with fireworks and later with lovely music. The 3rd Annual Live on the Lake was taking place.  Around 6:15 pm, after the fireworks had subsided, local musicians Melissa Brinton and her violinist set up their loud speaker on a cottage dock across the cove from us and began to play music and sing.

The soft music drifted across the cove during twilight so that boaters and other nearby cottage owners could sit on their decks, docks and lawns and hear the lovely music.  With a voice similar to Joan Collins, Melissa started off by singing a couple of old Irish favorites (Oh Danny Boy and Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond.)   I have to admit what little Irish DNA remaining in this old heart still reacts to those songs.

It was a wonderful way to spend part of the Labor Day weekend.

Bass Fishing Derby

On the first Sunday in October, the Cheshire Fire Department will be holding its Bill Lewis Memorial Bass Fishing Derby.  It will run from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm with registration costing $20.00.

Following that, there will be an award ceremony and picnic on the Causeway at 1:30 pm to benefit the Bill Lewis Scholarship Fund.

Just think, bass fishing on that beautiful lake surrounded by mountains displaying their lovely fall colors.  It doesn’t get any better.   Who knows, this may be your last bass fishing outing of the year, so you might want to participate.

Many thanks BNRC

 

In the latest Berkshire Natural Resources Council Landscaper News, there was this nice article regarding hunting seasons and conservation.

 

“All Berkshire Natural Resources Council reserves, except for Parsons Marsh (in Lenox) and Roosevelt Trail (in Washington), are open to hunting subject to Massachusetts state regulations. Sunday hunting is prohibited in Massachusetts.

 

During hunting seasons BNRC recommends (to its non- hunter users):

  • Wear blaze orange outerwear
  • Stay on existing trails
  • Keep dogs under your immediate control (consider blaze orange outerwear for your dog)

In 2021, Massachusetts anglers, hunters, and others contributed over $7.5 million to land conservation, land stewardship, wildlife management and research, outdoor skills programs, and education via the sale of fishing, hunting, and related licenses and fees.

 

BNRC wishes all hunters a safe, enjoyable, and fruitful hunt this autumn.”

 

Nice article, ey?  BNRC has always been a friend to area sportsmen, so if you or your club happen to have a couple extra bucks, you might want to send them their way.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

More deer/deer hunting information disclosed

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Last week’s column dealt with a report DFW Moose and Deer Biologist Martin Freehan made at the June 22, 2022 Meeting of the Fish & Wildlife Board.  In addition to the amendment to the Antlerless Deer Permit allocations, he reported the following:

He and other staff continue to work with communities to open more private and municipal lands for hunting, particularly of deer. He noted that the Town of Harvard Conservation Commission has doubled the number of properties open to hunting and that the Town of Brewster approved a 3-week December Archery season in the Punkhorn area, as two examples of recent fruits of those efforts.

He also reported that MassWildlife collaborated with the USDA Wildlife Services to test deer for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and active-virus during the 2021 Shotgun and Primitive Arms deer seasons as part of a national surveillance program in 28 states.

He reported that MassWildlife staff sampled 558 deer (just over the USDA’s goal of 500 for the state): 86 were positive for antibodies, with the Delta detected as the active variant. He also stated that he will be working again this fall with the USDA on further surveillance.

Mr. Feehan reported that he is planning to disseminate a survey to hunters this summer, in coordination with the USGS’s Coop Unit at UMass/Amherst, to measure baseline knowledge about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and about misinformation that might be circulating. This will allow staff to develop an effective communication plan to improve knowledge about CWD and guide future management. He stated that MassWildlife has also joined the SOP4CWD project, to collaborate with states across the country to predict areas of high risk for new invasions of CWD.

Possible Expanded Archery Hunting Season

Feehan commented on the DFW analyses of past deer harvests by sex to show the trends in a couple of sample zones, He then outlined a proposal for the Board’s consideration to unify the Archery deer season statewide by extending the Archery season 2 weeks earlier in zones 1-9 (which includes our area) to match that already established in zones 10-14, with the change to begin with the 2023 season.

He explained that this proposed change simplifies the regulations, the seasons, and enforcement; would allow hunters to spread out their effort and therefore creates more hunting opportunity; and addresses feedback staff receives from many Archery hunters wanting more hunting opportunity.

Discussing the impact of the existing extended Archery season in zones 10-14, Mr. Feehan reported that the extended season in zones 10-14 did not increase the harvest beyond the established trajectory but rather redistributed the harvest based on hunter preference and was very popular with Archery hunters who don’t want to overlap with pheasant season.

Feehan closed his presentation with a request to the Board to endorse the ADP allocations and to direct staff to develop specific regulations that would extend the Archery season statewide to match the current extended season in zones 10-14 and take those proposed regulations to a public hearing for public feedback and comments.

The Board approved the development of specific draft regulations to extend the Archery deer season statewide and take them to a public hearing to solicit comments.

Youth Pheasant Hunt Program

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

The program is divided into multiple parts:

  • Seminar and Range Practice: Participants get hands-on instruction in shotgun shooting fundamentals and firearm safety, learn upland hunting basics, and focus on how to have a safe and fun hunt.
  • Pheasant Hunt: Participants get to experience a real pheasant hunt under the supervision of an experienced hunter on 1 of the 6 Saturdays prior to the regular pheasant season. This year, the pheasant hunting season starts on October 15, 2022.

Requirements

  • Be between the ages of 12 to 17

Steps

  1. Make sure you meet all the requirements above
  2. Register for the Programby August 31, 2022
  3. Complete the Seminar and Range Practice
  4. Have a great day hunting pheasants.  Please note, all other regular pheasant hunting regulations apply including bag limits, hunting implements, hunter orange requirements,

In our area, the Lee Sportsmen’s Association has tentatively scheduled such a course on September 24 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am and on October 8 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at its clubhouse on Fairview Street in Lee.

The youth pheasant program is designed to provide young hunters with specialized pheasant hunting training and instruction, as well as reinforce what they learned in Basic Hunter Education. Young hunters will have the opportunity to practice firearms safety, develop shooting skills, and participate in a special pheasant hunt under the guidance of a safe, experienced adult hunter. This program, held by Lee Sportsmen’s Association, is more than just a day in the field pheasant hunting and is divided into multiple parts including hands-on instruction in shotgun shooting fundamentals, a pheasant seminar, and a mentored pheasant hunt. In addition to the seminar and hunt, participants are required to attend mandatory range days. The date and time of these range days will be based on participant’s availability

Keeping with the LSA and pheasants, the Board reported that the pheasant pen located adjacent to the Main Clubhouse has been stocked with about 400-500 pheasants, which LSA raises for the state of Massachusetts.  Every year, MassWildlife stocks an average of 40,000 pheasants on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and other lands open to the public.  These birds are stocked for recreational hunting and are paid for by revenue from license fees; however, the cost of raising the pheasants is the responsibility of LSA, and the caretakers are all Club volunteers.  Members are asked to not allow their dog(s) to wander unattended over near the pen, and if you witness any suspicious or abnormal activity in/on/near the pen, to please contact President Doug Frank at (413) 822-0720 as soon as possible.

 

New pheasant hunting regulations take effect this year 

 

Remember, a Pheasant/Quail Permit is now required for resident and non-resident hunters, there is no season bag limit (2-bird daily limit), and hens can be hunted statewide. Registration for Saturday hunting at Martin Burns WMA is no longer required. The permit this year is $4.00 for residents and $6.00 for non-residents.  Don’t forget!

 

Gun Safety Course

 

Pete’s Gun Shop is holding a LIVE FIRE NRA & Massachusetts State Police Certified LTC Safety Course. This will be a one day all inclusive, live fire class on Sunday September 11 at the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club. The class starts at 9:00 am.

 

Call the shop at (413) 743-0780 to inquire availability of a seat. A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your seat at the time of registration. They do accept credit cards in person at the shop or by phone.

 

This course is a live fire class where time is spent at the range and you get to shoot. You are also given an NRA Basic Pistol Safety textbook which is included in the class cost. This is to qualify MA residents and non-residents alike for the MA License To Carry or FID Card. This will be a hands-on, LIVE FIRE course. You will also receive a $10 gift certificate to Pete’s Gun Shop in appreciation for taking the course. The cost is $100 and covers use of the range firearms, ammo, safety gear, class materials, certificates, and the NRA Safety Textbook.

 

Interested parties are asked to pre-register by calling or stopping in at Pete’s Gun Shop at 413-743-0780, as space is limited. This live fire course fills up very quickly so call or stop in early to pre-register.

 

Growing Massachusetts deer population prompts increase in Antlerless Deer Permits

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The following information was gleaned from the June 22, 2022 Minutes of the Fish & Wildlife Board.  They were approved at the July 18, 2022 Board Meeting. DFW Deer and Moose Biologist Martin Feehan provided much of the following data to the Board.  Let’s start with the 2021 deer harvest figures.

The total statewide 2021 deer harvest was 13,363 indicating a 10.8% decline from the 2020 harvest of 14,766 which was an all-time record year.  The minutes do not indicate a reason for the decline.

We didn’t do too bad here in Western Mass.  The breakdown of our deer harvest (Zones 1 through 4) for 2021 and 2020 are as follows:

Zone 1- (2021) 356 vs (2020) 352; Zone 2- 531 vs 541; Zone 3- 549 vs 578; Zone 4N- 574 vs 611; and Zone 4S-364 vs 367.  The total deer harvested for 2021was 2,374 vs 2,449 or a total drop of 75 deer.

Once again, there were more deer harvested statewide by archery than by shotgun or muzzleloader.  The deer harvest by method of hunting was as follows: 6,432 were taken by archery, 4,282 by shotgun and 2,652 were taken by primitive firearms.

More than 3,000 of the deer taken in Zones 10 and 11 were taken by archers and that doesn’t include deer taken by archers in the shotgun and primitive firearms seasons which is legal.  Probably the main reason is that those zones have high density human populations. Some towns may not allow hunting with firearms in their town/city limits, so some hunters went to the quieter way of hunting, archery.  Just speculating.

Here in Western MA, it appears that we still like our shotguns.  Of the 2,374, deer taken, 866 were by archery, 1,064 were by shotgun and 415 were by primitive firearms. Once again, we don’t know how many deer were taken by archers in the shotgun and primitive firearms season.

Feehan also noted that in-person biological deer checks resumed in 2021, and, to help illuminate trends, staff collected information used for modeling the abundance of deer in each Wildlife Management Zone (WMZ).  Feehan stated that MassWildlife uses a Downing Reconstruction Model for harvest-based abundance estimates, noting that this method does not sample areas closed to hunting and that areas with significant closure are likely to have much higher deer abundance than harvest-based estimates would predict.

Feehan demonstrated through a sequence of graphs showing the DFW’s density estimates in each WMZ that some zones, including zones 2, 4N, and 4S, are maintaining densities well within the Board-approved statewide goal of 12-18 deer per square mile. But data from the other western zones –Zones 1 and 3 – are indicating that densities there are rising and are now slightly above the statewide goal. He demonstrated a similar analysis for Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, which showed that 5-8 are relatively stable, while Zone 9 is becoming increasingly similar to zones 10 and 11, which are above the statewide goal with high densities and showing persistent growth. Zone 12 is still relatively stable but increasing in density, and in zones 13-14, where densities are very high, the harvest is actually declining.

Given the trends revealed by these analyses and after reminding the Board that MassWildlife sets its Antlerless Deer Permit (ADP) allocations on the assumption that they will be kept stable for the ensuing 3 years so that effects on abundance can be thoroughly studied, Feehan reported that DFW staff proposed changes to the allocations for the next 3 years.  (See chart)Antlerless permits 2022

 

He explained that the proposed allocations marked “No Cap” are functionally unlimited, being set well above the maximum number of ADP permits that are sold each year in those zones.

Mr Feehan’s recommendation for increasing the antlerless deer permits were unanimously approved by the Board.

 

As you can see, with the exception of Zone 4S, antlerless permits in all of the Wildlife Management Zones in Western Massachusetts will increase.  Permits in Zone 1 went up by 100, Zone 2 went up by 40, Zone 3 went up by 150 and Zone 4N went up by 50.  This is certainly good news for deer hunters wishing to supplement their meat diet with healthy venison.

 

Feehan had other interesting comments and recommendations which we will detail in next week’s column.as follows:

So, did you get a permit?

As of August 1, deer hunters can check to see if they were awarded an antlerless deer permit (doe permit).  If you were awarded one, a $10 fee is charged. (Remember, the doe permit fee went up from $5 to $10 this year).

Bad then good news for hunting and show dog owners

Recently, Al Costa, President of the Berkshire Beagle Club informed me that a bill originally intended to address issues with boarding kennels has been expanded to a “meat-cleaver” approach that lumps all breeders into the same category as kennels that sell dogs to pet stores and wholesalers. Senate Bill 2994 was originally drafted to address a few issues concerning problems with doggy daycares that were highly publicized in recent years.

Unfortunately, Massachusetts Senators objected to the clear differences between boarding kennels, hobby breeding kennels and commercial dog breeding businesses. In their effort to “simplify the bill,” Senate Bill 2994 lumped them all together.

I wrote about that bill in this proposed column with the hopes that hunting dog owners would be outraged enough about it to contact their legislators.

Well, the following information was received from the Sportsmen’s Alliance of Massachusetts just before my deadline for submitting this column to the Eagle:

“

Legislation that lumped sporting dog kennels and hobby breeders in with large-scale commercial dog breeding operations died when the Massachusetts House of Representatives adjourned earlier this week. Senate Bill 1322, originally intended as a reform bill to address issues with boarding kennels, was turned into an attack on those who hunt, field trial and show dogs, but who do not breed dogs primarily for sale.”

“The Massachusetts Senate made last-minute changes to S.1322, in response to several high-profile issues at boarding kennels, requiring owners of personal kennels to be licensed and subject to inspections, even in their own homes. Current law recognizes the difference between those who breed dogs for commerce, and those who do so for hobby and sport. The bill would also have made personal kennel owners subject to any change in regulations at both the state and municipal government levels.”

“The Sportsmen’s Alliance alerted Massachusetts sportsmen and directly contacted members of the House of Representatives in opposition to S.1322 as part of a larger effort that included the American Kennel Club and local dog and sporting organizations. Together the effort prevailed as the lower chamber decided not to take up the Senate Bill, instead allowing it to die as the legislature adjourned for the remainder of the 2022 session.”

What is the Sportsmen’s Alliance?  It protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research.  Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible.

Thanks to those who jumped on this matter and contacted their legislators.  Needless to say, I had no problem scrapping my old bad news article in favor of this good news one.

Berkshire Natural Fish Hatchery Youth Fishing Derby

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is powered by an electric motor, and if you run out of power, it has a solar panel on the top of the umbrella which recharges the battery.  (Clean energy!).  The battery has a USB port into which they plug in lights and a speaker for their sunset cruises. They can also plug in an iPad, cooler, etc. In addition to dining, they enjoy playing scrabble, taking video conference calls for work, and reading.

 

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

 

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

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

Fishing events for beginners coming to a lake near you

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The events being held in the Berkshires are as follows:

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

 

License-to-Carry/FID Class

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

Steve Sears elected as Acting Chairman of the MA Fish & Wildlife Board

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At the last Fish &Wildlife Board meeting which was held on Monday, July 18, Board member Stephen Sears of Dalton was elected the new Acting Chairman.  He replaced Joseph Larson who served as Chairman since 2017, when he replaced the late legendary George “Gige” Darey of Lenox upon his retirement.

Sears, who replaced Gige as the Western District representative, was first appointed to the Board by Governor Baker in 2017.

His selection as Acting Chairman comes as a delightful surprise to area outdoor sportsmen and conservationists.  Ironically, the day Sears was elected, the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS) sent a letter to Governor Baker requesting that he be reappointed to the F&W Board.

“There are many reasons for our request”, the letter stated, “We believe he has done a very good job in his first 5 years on the Board representing his western Massachusetts constituents and those across the state.  Fellow members on the Board, the Department of Fish & Game and the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife appear to respect his opinions and have appointed him to serve on several very important subcommittees of the Board”.

“He is knowledgeable in the field of conservation and proper management of our natural resources. He enjoys the outdoors not only as a hunter and fisherman, but also as a hiker, bird watcher, nature photographer, mountain biker, skier, and more.   His lifelong love of all aspects of the outdoors comes through very clearly and he is a staunch supporter of many conservation measures.  And because of that, his opinions are respected.”

“He is approachable. Environmentalists, outdoor sportsmen, farmers and others are comfortable approaching him expressing their concerns.  They know he will take time to evaluate them and, if reasonable, will act upon them. During the recent covid pandemic, the general public was able to sit in on the F&W Board meetings via Zoom and they had a chance to see Steve follow-up on their requests. He then follows up with the people.”

“He communicates with his constituents.   Steve attends the BCLS monthly meetings and informs the delegates of recent activities of the Board, Department of Fish & Game and the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.  He keeps us in the loop with their activities.”

“His leadership and/or affiliation with such organizations as the Massachusetts Outdoor Heritage Foundation, Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area, Local Committees such as Notchview Reservation, The Trustees of Reservation makes him a very important member of the Fish & Wildlife Board.”

 

Robert (Bob) Durand was selected as Acting Vice Chairman of the Board.  He replaced Michael Roche who has served many years as the Board’s Vice Chair.

 

No stranger to the Berkshires, Durand has been an avid outdoorsman and conservationist his entire life, and in 2011 was recognized as such by the Board when it awarded him the Francis W. Sargent Conservation Award. Prior to forming Durand & Anastas Environmental Strategies, he served four terms as State Representative for Berlin and Marlborough, where he lives. He followed that with four terms as a state senator for the Middlesex and Worcester District, during which he chaired the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee, and four years as Secretary of Environmental Affairs, under former governors the late Paul Cellucci and Jane Swift.

During his career as a public servant, Durand forged new bonds between the outdoor and sporting communities and environmentalists, bringing these advocates together to support initiatives that strengthened both.

 

As a legislator, he wrote the Rivers Protection Act and the Community Preservation Act. As Secretary, he protected 150,000 acres of open space, including major bioreserves open to hunting and fishing, helped usher in the nation’s first state regulations on coal burning power plant emissions and oversaw a vigorous campaign to reduce mercury emissions that bioaccumulate in wildlife and people. He also created Biodiversity Days, an annual event that saw tens of thousands of school children from more than 500 schools, fan out across the state to learn about and catalogue plant and animal species, and championed environmental justice and environmental education

Bob has served as the President of the Massachusetts Outdoor Heritage Foundation and served on the Board of Trustees for both The Nature Conservancy/Massachusetts Chapter and the Massachusetts Environmental Trust.

 

Earnest Foster, from Scituate, MA was elected Acting Secretary of the Board.  He replaced Bonnie Booth who served on the Board for 13 years.  Foster is heavily involved with outdoor sports and conservation organizations serving on the Board of the Plymouth County League of Sportsmen, a Level one Instructor for National Sporting Clays, Membership Secretary for the Scituate Rod and Gun Club,  President of the Ruffed Grouse Society Boston/South Shore Chapter, Past President of the Minot’s Ledge Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, member of The American Chestnut Foundation, Trout Unlimited, Old Colony Sportsmen Club and volunteer for various land trusts.

I’m sure you noted that the three individuals were elected as acting officers.   Once all the newly appointed Board members settle in, it is expected that a vote will be taken in November or December to formerly elect them as officers.

New State Record Smallmouth Bass caught in NY

A new state record fish has been established in New York State. On June 15, Thomas Russell Jr. of Albion reeled in an 8 lb. 6 oz. smallmouth bass from Cayuga Lake (Seneca County) while fishing in a Finger Lakes Open Bass Tournament. The smallmouth was caught on a drop shot rig using a soft plastic minnow. After being weighed on a certified scale and getting witness verification, the record-breaking fish was safely released.

Thomas Russell, Jr.

In case you are wondering, the Massachusetts state record for a smallie is 8 lb. 2 oz. and 22 inches long cought out of Wachusett Reservoir by Barbara Sasen in 1991.

The world record smallmouth bass came out of Dale Hollow Lake, a reservoir that straddles the border between Kentucky and Tennessee back in 1955.  It weighed 11 lb. 15 oz. and was caught by David Hayes.

Amazon Smile

The Lee Sportsmen’s Association’s (LSA) Board has recently announced that it is registered on Amazon Smile.  Never heard of it?  Me neither.

According to its news release, if you already buy items from Amazon, you can now use the AmazonSmile website (smile.amazon.com) and have a donation sent from Amazon to the LSA.  This donation doesn’t cost you, the buyer, anything.

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support the Club every time you shop, at no cost to you.  When you shop AmazonSmile, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection, and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to LSA.

For information and set up procedures go to: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/26-2691563, and then the next time you want to make a purchase from Amazon go to: https://smile.amazon.com/ to do your purchasing.   “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on their product detail pages.

Fishing the Collection

The American Flyfishing Museum in Manchester, VT has a new film series entitled Fishing the Collection.

 

In this new film series, they’re taking vintage rods from their collection and putting them in the hands of modern anglers. As they travel to various locations, bamboo rods of yesteryear are put to the test in both salt and fresh water, and anglers share their take on what it’s like to fish with classic equipment. You might find the results visually captivating and educational, allowing the observer to reflect on how far we’ve come in the development of equipment while also honoring the beauty and style of the past. Featured in this episode is a 1973 Orvis Battenkill, 8′, 8wt, 2-piece rod. Click onto https://www.amff.org/fishing-the-collection to see the film.

They plan to release Episode 2 and 3 in the coming weeks.

Readers may recall previous articles in this column where fishing buddy Paul Knauth of Hinsdale and I always took along a vintage bamboo fly rod when we fished the fabled Ausable River near Lake Placid, NY.  Its true, one does get the sense of beauty and style of these rods and think about the anglers who once fished with them in bygone days.

Good news for Red Brook’s “salter” population

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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