Four honored at BCLS Conte Banquet

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About 160 people packed the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club banquet hall last Saturday evening for the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen’s (BCLS) Silvio O. Conte Memorial Awards Banquet. Award recipients were the late Christopher Porter of Pittsfield, Al Buck of Adams, Steve Bateman of Pittsfield and DCR Deputy Director Matthew Sisk, of Braintree, MA.  The banquet was dedicated in memory of the late Chuck Jones of Dalton.  All were selected by the various sportsmen’s clubs which make up the BCLS.   Their individual feats were highlighted in a prior column.

 

In acknowledging Chuck Jones, emcee and former League president Mark Jester said that Jones was instrumental in getting the Friends of NRA here in the Berkshires and every club, including the BCLS, benefitted from the work he and his staff did over the years.   Chuck’s widow, Evelyn, thanked the League for the banquet dedication in Chuck’s honor.  She read a touching poem of remembrance.

 

Steve Bateman has raised over $25,000 through his fishing derbies for Dana Farber Cancer Institute.  He was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award which acknowledged “his achievements all while enhancing the image of sportsmen in our community”.  On receiving the award, he thanked all those who helped along the way.

 

Al Buck was recognized for his work with the sportsmen and Adams Outdoor for Youth by receiving the John Zuber Award “for his unwavering dedication to introduce and perpetuate the ideals of sportsmen in Berkshire County.”  He thanked the League and the many people who helped him over the years.

 

Fish & Wildlife Board Chairman George “Gige” Darey presented the Sportsmen’s Appreciation Award to Matt Sisk.  Darey noted that there were thousands of acres of local state forests that were not accessible to hunters.   That was until Matt became Deputy Director of DCR.  Upon hearing of the problem, he immediately came to the Berkshires, checked out the situation and got the access issues resolved.  The award was “ in recognition of his sport dedication and oversight to the preservation of open space and wildlife.”  In accepting the award, Sisk said that he was really honored and proud and that the award means a lot to him.  “If it wasn’t for Fish & Game Commissioner George Peterson, Darey and DFW Director Jack Buckley”, he said, “ this wouldn’t have happened.”

 

In presenting the Sportsman of the Year Award, Jester noted that the late Chris Porter should have gotten this award years ago. He was very involved in the sports level and was very helpful, usually behind the scenes.  “We want his memory to live on.” he said.   The award was, “in recognition of his lifelong dedication and leadership of sportsmen and youth of Massachusetts.” Chris’ son Ryan accepted the award on behalf of his family.  He thanked the League and related some shooting experiences that he had with his dad.

 

During the banquet, Mark Jester recounted how he became a BCLS delegate when he was 23 years old.   He mentioned how the late US Congressman Silvio O. Conte always made it a point to attend the raccoon dinners that the Lakewood Sportsmen’s Club put on.  At one dinner, he suggested that Mark become involved with the BCLS. The rest is history, with Mark serving as a delegate for 34 years and 18 years as its president.   Having recently stepped down, he took the opportunity to thank all of the delegates and sportsmen and women who have helped him over the years.  He said that he has developed many close friends that he never would have met were it not for the League. *****

 

The following waters were scheduled to be stocked with trout last week:  Deerfield River  in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida; Walker Brook in Becket and Chester, Goose Pond Brook in Lee and Tyringham, Greenwater Brook, Beartown Brook and West Brook in Lee; Little River, Bronson Brook and West Branch Brook in Worthington; Yokum Brook in Becket, West Branch Brook in Chesterfield, Wahconah Falls Brook in Dalton, West Brook in Great Barrington, Little River in Huntington, Factory Brook in Middlefield, Mill Brook in Plainfield, Larrywaug Brook in Stockbridge, Depot Brook in Washington and Westfield Brook in Windsor. *****

Vernal pools are unique wildlife habitats best known for the amphibians and invertebrate critters that use them to breed.   They usually dry during summer which prevents fish from establishing   populations.  That is critical to the reproductive success of many amphibians and invertebrates that rely on breeding habitats free of fish predators.

If you want to learn more about vernal pools, join the Wild & Scenic Westfield River exploration at noon April 30, at the Becket Town Hall in Becket.  After an hour presentation by Berkshire Environmental Action Team specialist Jane Winn, there will be on-site training to learn how to identify and certify a vernal pool. The presentation is free and open to the public and the site visit requires registration.  For more information, call Meredyth Babcock @ 413 623-2070.

Special events planned for HVA’s 75th anniversary

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Earlier this year, I mentioned in this column that there were some important anniversaries being celebrated this year. The Division of Fish & Wildlife is celebrating its 150th and the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery is celebrating its 100th..   There will be more to come on them in future columns.  Well, there is another big celebration being celebrated this year and that is the Housatonic Valley Association’s (HVA) 75th anniversary.

HVA is dedicated to protecting the entire Housatonic River Watershed which includes 2,000 square miles of land stretching from western Massachusetts through western Connecticut and eastern New York to Long Island Sound. HVA monitors water quality throughout the watershed, conducts educational programs, works to link preserved space with the Housatonic River Greenway of hiking and biking trails and uses computer mapping to help towns measure the impact and benefits of land use and development. HVA’s offices are in Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut; South Lee, Massachusetts; and Wassaic, New York.

In celebration, HVA is organizing a 10-day, 149-mile, Source to Sound Housatonic River adventure starting at Muddy Pond in Washington, MA on Earth Day, which is Friday, April 22. It will end at Stratford Point in the Long Island Sound on Sunday, May 1.  In our area, paddlers will maneuver beaver ponds in the Housatonic Flats, challenging rapids below the Glendale Dam, meandering flood plains of Sheffield and continue on into Connecticut.

The paddlers are led by three expert paddlers: David Sinish, an experienced kayak/canoe instructor, Dennis Regan, HVA’s Berkshire Director and Schuyler Thomson, owner of Thomson Canoe Works in Norfolk, CT. Many partner organizations from the surrounding watershed will join HVA for this historic river adventure.

On day two, Saturday, April 23 in Pittsfield, HVA and Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) will host the first Earth Day River Festival at the Fred Garner Park starting at 11 a.m. with a park cleanup. Gloves and bags will be provided. Several events, including exploring a restored vernal pool, learning about river bottom critters, and much more will take place.  Food will be available to purchase or participants may bring a picnic lunch.

On day three, Sunday, April 24 from 1 to 3 p.m., a river festival will take place at the Lee Athletic Field at Housatonic Street featuring kid friendly, river oriented activities (on land) that include fly fishing demonstrations. (I hope some volunteer flyfishers help me with this.  I don’t want to pass on my bad fly casting habits).

HVA’s 75th Anniversary Gala will be on Thursday, April 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Bull’s Bridge Inn, 333 Kent Road, Rte 7, Kent, CT. It will feature dinner and entertainment.

Trip sponsors include the NRD Trustees, Connecticut DEEP, Massachusetts EOEEA, USFWS, NOAA, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Berkshire Bank Foundation, Kimberly Clark and many others.

For more information, go to hvatoday.org, call 860-672-6678 or email conn@hvatoday.org. *****

Stocked Waters

The following waters were stocked with trout during the week of April 4:  Clesson Brook in Ashfield and Buckland, South River in Ashfield, Swift River in Ashfield, Cummington and Goshen;  Westfield River in Becket, Chester, Chesterfield, Cummington, Huntington, Middlefield, Savoy and Windsor; Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida;  Chickley River in Charlemont, Hawley and Savoy; Cold River in Charlemont, Florida, and Savoy; Farmington River in Otis and Sandisfield, Stones Brook in Goshen, Town Brook in Lanesborough, Green River and Hemlock Brook in Williamstown, Greenwater Pond in Becket, North Pond in Florida, Mansfield Lake in Great Barrington, Norwich Pond in Huntington, Pontoosuc Lake, Onota Lake and  Otis Reservoir. *****

 

It was anticipated that the following waters would be stocked the week of April 11: Hoosic River in Adams and Cheshire, Green River in Alford, Egremont and Great Barrington; Williams River in West  Stockbridge and Great Barrington, Housatonic River (C&R) in Lee, Konkapot River in Monterey and New Marlborough, Buck and Clam Rivers in Sandisfield, Ashfield Pond in Ashfield, North Pond in Florida, Laurel Lake, Lake Buel, Lake Garfield, York Lake, Otis Reservoir, Richmond Pond, Goose Pond, Windsor Lake and Windsor Pond.

 

Have you ever wondered how DFW gets such fine trout each year?  Well, if you click onto the MassWildlife Facebook page, you will see an excellent film showing how they spawn out the trout in the hatcheries.  Last fall they collected more than 1.7 million trout eggs.   After growing in the hatchery for 1.5 to 2.5 years, the trout will be ready for liberation into state waters.

 

New District Fisheries Manager

Andrew Madden, DFW Western District Manager has recently announced that Leanda Fontaine Gagnon has filled the position of District Fisheries Manager, formerly held by Dana Ohman who moved to Ohio last year. Leanda has been with the DFW for 11 years, most recently as an Aquatic Biologist in the Westboro Field headquarters.  She will be leading the regional stocking programs and aquatic resource inventory efforts.   With the addition of Leanda, the Western District is at full staffing levels for the first time in 2 years.

 

Map, Compass and Survival Course

This is an advanced skills course being offered free of charge by the MA Hunter Education Program.    The next course in the Berkshires is at the DCR Headquarters at 740 South Street, Pittsfield next Saturday from 8a.m. to 5p.m.  Students will be outdoors part of the day, rain or shine. They must come prepared, with a lunch, snacks, water, and a whistle and be dressed for outdoor activities (i.e. sunglasses, long pants, hiking shoes/boots, insect/tick repellent, rain gear and bright-colored outer clothing).    To enroll, call (508)389-7830. *****

Wear life jackets 

MassWildlife reminds us that paddlers are required to wear life jackets from September 15 to May 15.  Remember, most boating fatalities occur when the victim is not wearing a life jacket

Acid rain monitoring still going on

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If you saw someone wearing boots and poking around in a nearby stream during that blustery snowstorm last Sunday, don’t worry.  They were perfectly sane people, called acid rain monitors (ARM’s), collecting their annual spring water samples from select water bodies throughout the Commonwealth.  All statewide sampling must be done on the same day (ARM Sunday).

 

The ARM project is headed up by UMASS which assigns the collection bottles, locations, collection and chain of custody sheets and collection procedures.   The volunteers collect from designated locations every year and must adhere to strict sampling standards to ensure that the data collected are not skewed in any way.

 

The goals of this project are to determine the overall trend of sensitivity to acidification in Massachusetts surface waters and whether the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendment has resulted in improved water quality.  The study provides consistent sampling over a period of years.  The data are analyzed by scientists in order to monitor the effects of acid rain in our waters over a long period of time.

 

Between 1983 and 1985, the ARM Project used as many as 1,000 citizen volunteers to collect and help analyze more than 40,000 samples from 4,100 water bodies.   They also monitored 572 lakes and streams for eight successive years (1985 to 1993) with approximately 300 volunteers. Most of our local sampling was conducted by Trout Unlimited volunteers.

 

The results for the initial phases of the project showed:

  • 6% of lakes and streams in Massachusetts were acidified
  • 57% were sufficiently low in acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) to be considered threatened by acid deposition
  • 37% were not threatened
  • Lakes were slightly more sensitive than streams
  • Geographically, higher ANC was typical of extreme western parts of the state and lower ANC was typical of the north-central and southeastern portions.From 1983 to 1993, ARM surveyed 83% of all named water bodies in Massachusetts.  The project resumed in April, 2001 after an eight-year hiatus. Volunteers currently sample pH and alkalinity (ANC) for 150 lakes, ponds, and streams across the Commonwealth.Some 26 long-term sites are analyzed further for major anions, cations, and color. These sites are revisited as priority sites because historically they were acidified, very low in alkalinity, or demonstrated a significant trend for acidification.Here in the Berkshires, 16 water bodies are currently being analyzed.  They are:  Anthony and Barton Brooks in Dalton, Belmont Reservoir and Bilodeau Brook in Hinsdale, Benton Brook in Otis, Bog Pond in Savoy, Cady Brook in Washington, Cheshire Reservoir (north), Sleepy Hollow Brook in Richmond, Soda Creek in Sheffield, Upper Spectacle Pond in Sandisfield, Walker Brook in Becket, Williams River in West Stockbridge, Kilburn Brook in Peru, Lake Garfield in Monterey, and Long Pond in Great Barrington. A couple of other sites are covered in nearby Hampden County.Currently, there are about 90 volunteer collectors statewide.  We have 8 in the Berkshires: Dr. Richard Greene of Tyringham, Marc Hoechstetter of Cummington, Lauren Gaherty of Pittsfield, Robert Paradyz of Hinsdale, Bob Kross of East Otis, Pat Storey of Tolland  and my wife Jan and me.  Most collectors have been doing so for about 20 years with a couple around 30 years.So were there any changes since 1983?    Here are the results of the most recent analysis from UMASS:
  • While most sites show no significant change in pH or ANC over time, more sites have seen an acidity decrease than an increase since passage of the Clean Air Act in 1990 (pH and ANC are higher now, which is good).

 

  • In 1988, of the 150 sites sampled, 124 sites were categorized Sensitive or worse, with 19

sites listed as Acidified. By 2010, 10 of those 19 sites are no longer Acidified, showing a   marked improvement over the years.

 

  • For the 26 long-term sites, most cations show no significant change except sodium and

chloride have noticeably increased – very likely from road salting practices.

 

  • Sulfate shows a strong decrease for over 2/3 of the sites, a clear consequence of the

Clean Air Act. Nitrate does not show the same trend, because the increase in emissions

from vehicles is greater than the decrease in emissions from industry.

 

The results of our local waters appear to mirror the rest of the state.  Currently, all but one water body have pH factors above 6 with half having readings of 7 or above.  (A pH of 7 is considered neutral).  Belmont Reservoir in Hinsdale still has pH readings of around 5.25, but even that shows some improvement over the years.  In the 1980’s it had pH readings in the 3 and 4 range.

 

More details can be found in the UMASS full report at: http://www.umass.edu/tei/wrrc/arm.

 

The collectors gladly volunteer their time each year on this project because they are concerned about the health of our waters and they know that the data obtained is important.  Over the years they have hiked remote icy wood roads,  negotiated slippery banks, climbed over high snow banks, braved stormy weather and falling limbs (like last Sunday) getting these samples.  They expected nothing in return other than knowing that they were doing something important for our environment.

 

Well, they were pleasantly surprised when in 2013 (30th anniversary of the ARM project) they all received formal Citations from Governor Deval Patrick, “In appreciation of their commitment to ecosystems of the Commonwealth.” *****

 

The Worthington Rod & Gun Club at 458 Dingle Road, Worthington, is conducting a Basic Hunter Education Course on April 18, 19, 21 and 22 from 5:30pm to 9:00pm.  Call 508-389-7830 to enroll. *****

Sometimes I do not receive the most current trout stocking information by deadline.  In such cases, click onto mass.gov/trout for the information, which is updated daily.

 

Old Growth Forest may be imperiled

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In 2007, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts DCR spent $5.2 million to purchase the 900-acre Spectacle Pond Farm which is located between the Otis State Forest to the north and the Clam River watershed to the south in Sandisfield.  It contains pristine old-growth forest, including Eastern hemlock trees that predate the Pilgrims’ arrival at Plymouth. The land also includes Lower Spectacle Pond, a 62-acre lake that is one of only two large lakes in the Berkshires with an undeveloped and unprotected shoreline.

 

The DCR had identified the property as one of the most significant land protection purchases in the state. The land is included in the state’s BioMap and Living Waters plans as being of statewide ecological significance.  Article 97, an amendment to the Massachusetts constitution shields such state-designated land from development.

 

Kidder Morgan’s Tennessee Gas Co wants to install a four mile pipeline loop that cuts through that state-protected land in Sandisfield.  They want to take some of this land by eminent domain.  FERC (Federal Energy Regulating Commission) approved the plans.  To date, our state legislators have not approved the easements for the Sandisfield loop.

 

Kidder Morgan then sought an injunction to allow the immediate tree cutting in the Sandisfield section and has named the DCR and its commissioner Leo P. Roy among the defendants.  That, in turn, has prompted the MA State Attorney General’s office to get involved and represent the state and the DCR.  “Our State Constitution protects conservation land across Massachusetts including Otis State Forest”, Attorney General Laura Healy e-mailed to the Berkshire Eagle.  The tree cutting permit has since been denied or at least delayed by FERC.  Last week, a Berkshire Superior Court ruled in favor of an Attorney General’s Office motion and instituted a two-week delay against Kinder Morgan’s injunction to start cutting trees immediately.

 

In a joint statement, State Senator Benjamin Downing and State Representatives William “Smitty” Pignatelli, Stephen Kulik, Gailanne M. Cariddi and Paul W. Mark opposed the project, “ for environmental, economic, public safety and public health reasons.”   The joint statement went on to say, “While it is clear the ultimate power in permitting and approving the project rests with the federal government, in the FERC, it is our responsibility as state legislators to speak for our communities. As such, we have come to the conclusion that while building the Northeast Direct Gas Pipeline would provide the economic benefit of providing good jobs with good wages for local labor, the project as a whole is not in the public interest. We can and should do better.”

 

Rep. Pignatelli carried it a step further and contacted A.G.  Healy’s office as well as Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and US Rep. Richard Neal seeking intervention to block the pipeline loop.  Kudos to our legislators for their action.

 

Perhaps that action was partly prompted by the words of late US Rep Silvio O. Conte wherein he once stated in an oft quoted speech:  “….ducks can’t vote, trees can’t vote; neither can salmon, flowers, mountains or rivers.  It is incumbent upon us to take on this weighty responsibility to serve them as our greatest constituency.”

 

Kudos also to the Sandisfield Taxpayers Opposing the Pipeline (STOP) for filing a notice of intent to sue FERC for failure to comply with the Clean Water Act and Article 97 which would have helped to protect those resources.

 

So where does Governor Baker stand on this issue? Surely there are local hunters, fishermen and conservationists who are concerned that he has not weighed in to protect this “greatest constituency”. Perhaps it is time they make their feelings known on this issue.

The Massachusetts/Rhode Island Council of Trout Unlimited already has.   In a recent message from Chairman John Troiano to its 3,000 statewide members he wrote:  “These events set a precedent for the Northeast Energy Direct Project (NED), a pipeline project that directly affects cold-water habitat, and TU is already involved as an Intervener.   NED would impact numerous watersheds in Massachusetts, comprising several thousand acres. This will affect numerous privately conserved lands where landowners have transferred rights to the general public, with the help of land trusts, through the use of a Conservation Restriction (CR) or Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR).  If FERC is able to successfully assert its federal preemptive power over Article 97, no conserved land, either public or private, would be safe from development.”

He urged members to contact DCR Commissioner Leo Roy as soon as possible. Also, write Gov. Baker, Environmental Secretary Matthew Beaton, your state representatives and Congressional delegation, and ask them to fight for Article 97 and the Commonwealth’s authority to protect conservation land

A Berkshire Eagle Letter to the Editor by the Director for Policy for the Trustees of Reservations Jennifer Ryan, says it all.  In that March 25 letter entitled “Land is not protected to provide for pipelines”, she wrote, “Public parkland wasn’t set aside as the cheapest route for private infrastructure projects.  Pipelines can be moved, old growth forests and pristine ponds cannot.”

 

Trout Stockings

The following waters were scheduled to be stocked with trout the weeks of March 21 and March 28:  Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida, Hoosic River in Clarksburg, Adams and Cheshire, Green River in Alford, Egremont and Great Barrington;  Westfield River in Chester, Chesterfield, Cummington, Huntington, Russell, Middlefield, Savoy,  Windsor and Worthington; Williams River in West Stockbridge and Great Barrington, Konkapot River in Monterey and New Marlborough, Housatonic River in Hinsdale, Dalton, Pittsfield (SW), Lee (C&R) and Stockbridge (C&R), Ashfield Pond, Lake Buel, Lake Garfield, Windsor Lake, Onota Lake, Plunkett Lake, North Pond, Littleville Lake, Goose Pond and Stockbridge Bowl.

 

Children’s Fishing Derby

The Berkshire Hatchery Foundation in Hartsville-New Marlborough is having its first free children’s fishing derby of the year next Saturday from 9 to 10:30am at its lower pond.  Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.  Monthly derbies will be conducted but they need some volunteer help run them.

Local angler gets world-wide exposure

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We have a celebrity in our midst, Chris Samson of Adams.  There was a full page picture of him in the March issue of Popular Mechanics magazine.  The 6 page article also showed some of his fly fishing/fly tying friends from Vermont.

 

Wait a minute, you say.   Popular Mechanics?  Is that magazine still around?   They did an article about fly fishermen and fly fishing?   What gives?

 

First of all, yes, Popular Mechanics is still around and has been since January, 1902.  Owned by the Hearst Corporation, it puts out 10 issues a year and has over 1,200,000 subscribers world-wide.  According to Samson, “They are trying to re-gear the magazine so that it is not just about cars, trains, etc., but they are trying reach out to new things going on.  And right now, fly fishing has become a big thing.  Fly fishing is no longer just for pipe smoking old guys fishing bamboo rods, toting willow creels, wearing fedora hats and fishing only dry flies.  There is a younger community of people who are taking up the sport.   Fly tying events are fueled by these people getting together to have a good time.  All types of mini fly fishing tournaments are going on throughout New England and the country right now.  It has become a popular sport.”

 

Fly fishing companies donated nice gear such as waders, packs, nets, etc., to Popular Mechanics and it wanted to feature something just on fly fishing for the magazine.  Popular Mechanics outdoor photographer Matt Kiedaisch contacted his friend Brian Price from St Albans, VT and said that they would like to have his guys demo some of the stuff while fishing.  Along with other Vermont anglers, Brian asked his friend Chris Samson if he would like to be involved.    As Chris put it, “When am I ever going to get a chance to be in a national magazine again, especially in one of the oldest magazines in the country?”  Obviously, he jumped at the opportunity.

 

They traveled to the Tailwater Lodge in Pulaski, NY to do some steelhead fishing.   The article, written by Matt Goulet, doesn’t really say a lot about where they were but it did feature the camaraderie among groups of friends on the river and showcased fly-fishing and the new gear.  It mentioned that the fishermen had participated in the Iron Fly event (see below) the night before.

 

The article, featuring a full page picture of Chris, was read all over the world.   Pick up a copy and check it out. Unfortunately, I was unable to obtain a copy of his magazine picture for this article, but I have included a picture of him with a gorgeous brown trout that he caught out of the Hoosic River.  The weight is unknown as he immediately released it unharmed back into the river.

 

Chris is friends with a group of fly fishermen from the St Albans/Swanton area of northern Vermont called the Vermont Fly Guys as well as another group that live a little further south near Burlington, VT.  They are involved in a tournament called Iron Fly.  Basically that is a group of anglers from around the country which puts on mini fly tying competitions.

 

These competitions consist of fly tying including the Iron Chef competition.   In this event, everybody gets the same amount of materials and must tie a fly.    One person starts a fly and his partner must finish it, whether or not he has ever tied it before.  Or perhaps one must tie a San Juan worm blindfolded.   In the final round, the Iron Fly round, everybody gets the same materials and can tie anything they want but it has to be a mystery material.  The last time they used materials from a mop and whatever they had in their pockets,  lint, cigarette butts, $10 bills, whatever.  According to Chris, these events get folks together to talk about fishing and to tie some flies.  They get donations from various companies and everybody wins something.    They also do a thing called” Get Trashed” where everyone gets together to pick up trash along the rivers.

 

While covering this article, I discovered that Chris works at Berkshire Outfitters in Adams, MA.  The shop, located on Rte 8, is owned by Steve Blazejewski of Adams.  When I arrived there, they were in  process of switching out their ski and winter sports items and displaying their summer and water sports inventory.  I was pleasantly surprised to see that they now sell fly fishing rods, reels, waders, etc.   As local fly fishers know, there is hardly any place in the Berkshires any more to buy quality fly fishing stuff.  Chris claims that adding the fly fishing items brought a whole new group of people into the shop.  Among other name brands, it deals primarily with Reddington equipment which is affordable and indestructible.

 

Fly fishing and fly tying is Chris’s passion.  He and a few friends get together every week or so to do some tying.  The big thing now, he says, is tying large streamers to fish for pike.   He and his buddies plan to float the Housatonic River fishing for pike this year.  He will let me know of any fly tying events that he is planning through Berkshire Outfitters or on his own and I will pass them onto you. He really wants to get kids in North County involved in fly fishing and tying.

 

Massachusetts spring trout stocking has begun

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Due to the mild winter and apparent early spring, Mass DFW has already begun trout stocking. According to DFW Western District Manager Andrew Madden, they stock 25 lakes and ponds and 54 rivers and streams throughout all regions of the District.   Madden cautions that stocked waters are subject to change based on water body conditions, staffing, and stocking trucks functioning.

On Friday, March 7, they stocked Onota Lake in Pittsfield and Stockbridge Bowl in Stockbridge. The following waters were scheduled to be stocked last week:   Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida; Laurel Lake in Lee, Lake Garfield and Lake Buel in Monterey, West Branch of the Farmington River in Otis and Sandisfield, Pontoosuc Lake in Pittsfield and Richmond Pond in Richmond.

As in past years, I hope to get the trout stocking information to you as soon as possible. Many thanks to Andrew Madden and receptionist Deb Lipa for taking on the extra work of getting that information to me in time to include it in this column. The stocking schedule is also updated on the MassWildlife web page every Friday by noon.

Here’s a little tidbit of information that I picked up from the MassWildlife Facebook page. The question was asked if there is any success of naturally spawning trout from stocking, or does the current infrastructure require annual stocking. The answer received from MassWildlife was, “Our stocking program is meant to provide trout fishing opportunities for anglers–we’re not trying to get trout to reproduce.” *****

The Massachusetts Young Adult Turkey Hunting Program is a partnership program between MassWildlife, participating sportsmen’s clubs, and the Massachusetts State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. The Young Adult Turkey Hunt Day this year will be April 23.

Hunter safety is emphasized in all aspects of the program to help build the confidence of young hunters so they may feel comfortable hunting alone or with others in the field. This program is more than just a day in the field hunting turkey; it is a comprehensive recreational program that includes two parts: a pre-hunt workshop and a one-day mentored hunt.

Western District participating clubs are: East Mountain Sportsmen Club, Cheshire Rod & Gun Club, Lee Sportsmen’s Club, Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club and Worthington Rod and Gun Club. *****

Only 11 coyotes were entered into Dave’s Sporting Goods Coyote Contest this year, and the winners were as follows:  Once again, Carl Dolle of North Adams bagged the most coyotes with a tally of 7.   Dave Willette of Williamstown got the heaviest one which weighed 47.6 lbs., and   Samantha Trybus of Lanesborough won the random raffle.

 

You may be familiar with all of these names.  Last year, Dolle bagged the most coyotes with a tally of 22.  He also got the largest one last year weighing 46.8 lbs.  He bagged the largest coyote in the prior year, one weighing 50 lbs.  In the 2013 contest, Carl got the most coyotes with a tally of 24, and in 2012, he bagged the most coyotes with a tally of 16.    Willette, the author of the book “Coyote Wars”, has also bagged some 40+ lb coyotes in the past.  Trybus was featured in this column on March 23, 2014.   You may remember her picture kneeling next to three coyotes that she bagged.

 

Dave “DJ” Benham, proprietor of Dave’s Sporting Goods, commented that coyotes don’t get much bigger that what Dolle has been bagging.  On average, he said, they have been running between 30 and 37 lbs.   Out of about 1,000 coyotes that have been checked in at his store over the years, only two weighed 50 lbs or more.*****

The Lee Sportsmen’s Association will be conducting a NRA basic pistol course on March 26 from 5:30 to 9: 30pm.  This is the new blended learning course.  Sign up at the NRA at www.nraonlinetraining.org, NRA Basic Pistol Shooting.  The NRA charges a fee.  In this course participants will learn the attitude, skills and knowledge necessary to become a responsible gun owner in your home, on your time line.  The cost is $100.00 and LSA members get a discount.

 

Once you complete the online learning, sign up through the NRA website for its course on the range with instructors.  The course includes handling, range live and dry firing, cleaning, opportunities to shoot in different venues, and the current MA gun laws.  Upon successful completion, participants will receive a MA State Police Certificate for application for a License  To Carry. New candidates get a year membership included.   Call Vicki 413-770-9007 or lady45white@gmail.com for more information.  *****

 

So you have your FID card.  Do you want to learn how to shoot a shotgun?  The Lee Sportsmen’s Association will be running a one day course entitled Shotgun 101 for beginners on April 10 from 10am to 2:30 pm.  It will take you from the classroom learning about various types of shotguns, operation and components, to live shooting on their field in trap and skeet.   Limited spots are open.  The cost is $35 for LSA members and $45 for non-members.  Shotgun instructors will be Ken Pixley and John Ballard.  To register, call 413-770-9007. *****

MassWildlife caution us that black bears are starting to emerge from their winter dens. If you live in an area with bears, it’s time to take bird feeders down. Eliminating food is the first step in preventing conflicts with bears and other wildlife. Please remember the old saying which goes “A fed bear is a dead bear.”  Nothing good can come from a situation where a bear loses its fear of humans and seeks food in our neighborhoods.  To learn how to prevent conflicts with bears, click onto the MassWildlife web page.

Remembering Ernest LeClaire during HooRWA’s 30th anniversary

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This year the Hoosic River Watershed Association is celebrating its 30th year of caring for the Hoosic River and its basin.  Lauren R. Steven had an excellent commentary in the Berkshire Eagle on January 11, 2016 entitled, A busy 30th is coming for Hoosic River group”.  In it he discussed HooRWA’s many ongoing projects from its confluence with the Hudson River in New York to North Adams.  Hoorah, for HooRWA!

 

Last fall I attended a HooRWA meeting wherein they discussed the status of PCB’s in the river’s crayfish and trout population.  I covered it in my November 8, 2015 column.  At that meeting they also honored the late Ernest LeClaire of Williamstown.   He was a founding member of HooRWA as well as the Hoosuck Chapter of Trout Unlimited and, to quote HooRWA Board Member Stevens, he was a “great friend of the environment and many people.”

 

One of Ernie’s hobbies was wood-working, and at that meeting was displayed his gorgeous wood carving of the HooRWA logo.   It shows a flying blue heron, a kayak paddler and a fly fisherman.

 

During that meeting, Stevens mentioned that HooRWA would like to have a bench in Ernie’s honor placed somewhere along the banks of the Hoosic River, preferably in his home town.  The land, formerly occupied by the Spruces Trailer Park was mentioned.   Donations for such a bench can be made through its website (http://hoorwa.org) or by mail to HooRWA, P.O. Box 667, Williamstown, MA 01267.

 

Ernie was an esteemed member of Trout Unlimited who was awarded the TU Silver Trout Award, TU’s highest national award at the time, for his dedication to conserving cold, clean waters and the critters that live in them.  For years, he was a volunteer in the UMASS Acid Rain Monitoring (ARM) Program. (I have a picture of Ernie, Ed Driscoll of Adams and myself presenting the late Senator Ted Kennedy an ARM tee-shirt up on Mount Greylock).

 

Ernie was a close friend of the late Al Les, of North Adams, who was named the Father of Catch and Release Fishing in Massachusetts.  Les received the first Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS) Silvio O. Conte Sportsman of the Year Award in 1984.   In addition to being Al’s closest fishing partner, Ernie accompanied him state-wide selling the concept of catch and release, even testifying at the Massachusetts Statehouse in Boston and the DFW Headquarters in Westborough.

 

Ernie passed beyond the river bend in 2014.  He was a close friend who I’ll always remember flyfishing our local rivers, wearing his cowboy hat and red bandana.   He should have been recognized by the BCLS but his name was never submitted, possibly because he shied away from such notoriety.   Having a bench named in his honor along the river that he loved so much would be a fitting tribute.  Better yet, as some have suggested, name the park after him.  *****

 

Tom Decker, owner of Pete’s Gun Shop in Adams recently announced that they are offering one day monthly Basic Firearms Safety classes for the Massachusetts LTC or FID.  These classes are both NRA and Massachusetts State Police certified.   Their next class is April 10 starting at 8:30 am at the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club.  It will be a live fire class, as required by the NRA.    Free lunch will be provided.  Call Pete’s Gun Shop at 413-743-0780 to register. *****

 

First-time hunters who wish to purchase a Massachusetts hunting or sporting license must first complete a Basic Hunter Education Course.   Such a course is scheduled at the East Mountain Sportsmen’s Club at 312 Henderson Road, Williamstown.   The dates are April 4, 8, 11, 15, 18 & 22, from 6:00 to 9:00pm.   For more information, call 508-389-7830.

 

These classes fill up quickly.  Instructor Wayne McLain of Williamstown recently reported to the BCLS that 53 participants had signed up for his Cheshire Rod & Gun course which began last Monday. *****

 

A few announcements from DFW Western District (WD) Manager Andrew Madden: Last year, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board approved the hiring of Stewardship Biologists in each of the Wildlife Districts to address some of the responsibilities that come with DFW’s extensive land holdings.  In the WD, Jacob Morris-Siege was promoted to that position from the position of Wildlife Technician.  A graduate of UMASS, he has worked for the Division for 8 years. Last year, many miles of boundaries had been marked, 14 encroachments were addressed and the monitoring of Conservation Easements was greatly increased.

Also, the WD has hired 2 new Wildlife Technicians, Derek McDermott and Ray Bressette.   McDermott, from Auburn, MA, has worked for the Division as a seasonal employee with the Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program for 7 years, conducting fish surveys, monitoring fish lifts and stocking salmon fry.  He is in the process of finishing his degree in Environmental Science from Southern New Hampshire University.

 

Bressette, from Middlefield, is a recent graduate of Westfield State College with a degree in Environmental Science.  He has previously worked as a volunteer with the Division, stocking pheasants, marking boundaries, and conducting stream surveys.

 

Both Derek and Ray will be spending a lot of time stocking fish this spring so look for them on the trucks.

 

The WD has some habitat projects in the works, re-leasing and pruning apple trees in a number of locations this winter. A habitat forest cut on the Farmington River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is ongoing. They are also working towards implementing prescribed fires on some WMA’s. DFW has been successfully using fire at a number of sites throughout the State creating excellent grass and young forest habitat which benefit many species. WD staff has been training on prescribed fires and hopes to expand this program in our region.  

Timber Rattlesnakes to be reestablished in Massachusetts

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The Timber Rattlesnake, a Massachusetts State Endangered Species, has experienced the greatest modern decline of any native reptile, and humans are considered the greatest threat to them. While killing or disturbing this snake is a serious criminal offense, these acts, combined with road mortality, continue to be major factors that contribute to the rattlesnake’s imperiled status.

Additionally, since 2006, scientists have found Timber Rattlesnakes with a sometimes fatal fungal skin disease. This emerging disease has now been documented in over a dozen species of snakes and is a new threat to them across their range. There is growing reason to fear that this fungal skin disease is a newly emerging threat to the imperiled populations.

Rattlesnakes are a high conservation priority species for the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, and in 2013, was successful in obtaining a $500,000 grant for the endangered species that will continue through 2016. The award will fund studies of this new disease as well as conservation management actions designed to enhance snake survival and increase the viability of imperiled snake populations.

The Division is proposing to establish a small number of them on Mount Zion, a large island closed to the public at the Quabbin Reservoir in central Massachusetts. While rattlesnakes are perfectly good swimmers, this island is large enough that they would have little motivation to swim away.   “This proposal has evolved out of the need to have at least one location in Massachusetts where this native endangered species will avoid people.” said Tom French, MassWildlife’s Assistant Director of Natural Heritage and Endangered Species (NHES).

“As the agency with the legal mandate, responsibility and expertise to conserve both rare and common wildlife, the Division is striving to ensure this imperiled and fascinating snake does not finally disappear almost 400 years after European settlement.”

Snakes used for this project will be offspring of Massachusetts snakes. They will be headstarted in captivity for two winters allowing them to grow large enough so that they will have the best chance of surviving to adulthood.

French says that most modern bites occur as the result of irresponsible (and illegal) activities that involve handling or harassing the animals. The latest antivenin treatments have greatly reduced the danger even if a person is bitten.

Fish & Wildlife officials have stated that funding for the project will come from the above grant and NHES funds, and not from hunting and fishing license fees.*****

The Berkshire Environmental Action Committee (BEAT) has formed a new monthly Wildlife Tracking Club in Berkshire County.  This group will meet twice monthly,  the 1st Wednesday and the 3rd Saturday from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.   Hikes will be led by local wildlife trackers, birders, and naturalists, of which there is an impressive group in Berkshire County.  The club is open to the public and tracking events will occur in Berkshire County.  There will be an annual membership fee of $15.00.  One-time participants can attend an individual event for $5.00.

It is claimed that Western Massachusetts is part of a larger fabric of forests that constitute the healthiest and most intact broadleaf deciduous biome in the world.  It is a globally impressive system unrivaled in size or importance. The focus of the events will be the iconic wildlife of New England that call our region home, including Black Bear, Moose, Bobcat, Beaver.and other critters.  Contact Elia Del Molino if you are interested in joining the club: elia@thebeatnews.org.

Incidentally, BEAT seeks to work with the public to protect the environment in the Berkshires and beyond.  BEAT educates citizens about the environment and their role in protecting it, keeps the public informed of current local issues that could have an impact on the environment, and helps people work together to take action to protect the environment. *****

 

On Friday evening, March 11, the Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited will be hosting an International Fly Fishing Film Festival at the Wahconah Country Club, 20 Orchard Road, Dalton.   Featured will be the best fly-fishing film shorts selected for 2016.  With backdrops ranging from Bolivia to Saskatchewan, Montana to Virginia, Patagonia to the Seychelles, these films feature fresh, dynamic stories amongst some of the best fishing footage that has ever been shot.

 

From the hunt for the world’s largest brook trout to the pursuit of billfish on the fly, gargantuan pike, acrobatic golden dorado and herculean British Columbian steelhead, these films showcase remarkable places, larger than life characters and fish that will haunt your dreams.

Doors open at 6pm and the film will be shown at 6:30pm.  The cost is $16.82 per ticket on- line or $19 at the door. All attendees will receive a free copy of Stonefly Magazine. There will be a 50/50 raffle and a handmade 9’, 4wt fly rod will be given out as a door prize. Orvis rods and reels will be auctioned.    Tickets can be obtained by calling Bill Travis 413-447-9720 or by contacting any Taconic TU Chapter Board member.  On- line tickets can be obtained by going to https://www.eventbright.com/20280747261. *****

 

Avid Sports will be holding a Firearms Safety Course on Wednesday March 16 at 5pm at Avid Sports on West Housatonic Street, Pittsfield. This course allows you to apply for a pistol permit or F.I.D. card.  Call 413-997-3600 for details.

The Lenox Sportsmen’s Club Ham Shoots begin today and run for the next four Sundays.  Tickets go on sale at 12:30pm and shooting begins at 1:00pm.  $3.00 per shot, 22 cal Shoots and Pie Shoots.

 

The Lee Sportsmen’s Association Turkey Shoots take place on March 6, 13 and 20, all running from 12:30 – 3pm.  $2 per round and winners take a choice of turkey, steak, spiral ham or pork loin.  Also, there will be a Money Shoot for $3 a round.

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Jester steps down as BCLS President

 

At the February meeting of the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen, Mark Jester, its long time president, announced that he had stepped down effective January 29.  The reason given was that he had been promoted within the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and his title will be District Manager for the Mountain District, which will encompass Greylock, Savoy, Clarksburg and Mohawk State Forests.  He will be the outreach person for DCR for the Northern Berkshires.  Part of the condition of his employment required him to step down from a number of boards, including the BCLS.  He thanked the dedicated delegates for helping him over the past 20 years saying that it had been a great pleasure to work with and for them. He received a standing, hearty round of applause from the delegates.  League VP Mike Kruszyna, of Cheshire, will be handling the day-to-day happenings and requirements of the League until a new president is elected.  Jester offered to help Kruszyna in any way as well as future presidents and board members. So is Jester’s departure a big deal?  You bet it is.  The BCLS is the umbrella organization for a dozen or so local sportsmen’s clubs which are made up by nearly 4,000 members.  Jester, of Pittsfield, had been League president for the last 20 years, which could arguably be called its “golden era”.  Although the smallest county sportsmen’s league in the Commonwealth, it is common knowledge that under Jester’s leadership, it became the most powerful one.  That is the feeling shared by the Massachusetts Sportsmen’s Council, MassWildlife officials, Gun Owners Action League (GOAL), sister organizations and politicians.  He was the League’s outspoken champion of environmental, conservation and sportsmen’s related issues.  He has received numerous local and statewide awards for his dedicated work on behalf of the sportsmen. So is Jester’s departure a loss for the League and a gain for DCR?  Yes!  But there is a silver lining.  We have a most knowledgeable and qualified District Manager in charge of those state forests, something in which sportsmen, hikers, and other State forest users can take comfort.  We wish him all the best in his new venture. ***** The Lee Sportsmen’s Association will be conducting a basic pistol course at the LSA clubhouse on Monday, February 29 and Monday, March 7.  The cost is $100.00.  Contact Larry Karlquist at 442-7807 to sign up. *****

 

The Lenox Sportsmen’s Club President’s Day rabbit hunt was cancelled due to the weather.  It was too rough on the dogs, hunters and the bunnies.*****

 

First-time hunters who wish to purchase a Massachusetts hunting or sporting license must complete a Basic Hunter Education Course.   Such a course is scheduled at the Lee Sportsmen’s Association on March 15 and April 2.    Classes on March 15 run from 6 to 9:30PM and on April 2 from 8AM to 3PM.  Both class sessions plus Independent Study is required to successfully complete the course.  To enroll, call (508) 389-7830. *****

 

In October, 2014 Joseph Toole, owner of the Hampton Inn in Lenox, placed a conservation restriction (C/R) on 111 acres of land behind the Hampton Inn, 445 Pittsfield Lenox Road in Lenox.  It was named the LFX Brian Toole Wildlife Preserve in memorial to his brother Brian who devoted his entire career to wildlife conservation.  The Lenox Land Trust (LLT) was designated the holder of the C/R which borders other protected land.  Have you ever wondered what that conserved land looks like?  Well, on February 24 and February 27 from 10 AM to noon, the LLT is sponsoring free snowshoe hikes weather and ice thickness permitting.  LLT Board members Ken Kelly and Kate McNaulty-Vaughan will lead those hikes.    If you wish to attend, you are urged to call (413)329-9678 the evening before or morning of the event if conditions are questionable.  Park and meet behind the Hampton Inn. *****

Are you an aspiring taxidermist hungry for expert guidance and training?  Well, award winning taxidermist Wayne Rodd from Southampton, MA  passed on some information about a taxidermy seminar coming up on Saturday, March 19 at the Double Tree Bradley International Airport Hotel at 16 Ella Grasso Turnpike in Windsor Locks, CT.  Conducted by the New England Association of Taxidermists (NEAT) it is open to anyone interested in taxidermy who wants to improve on their knowledge and skill level from novice, to the true craftsman and woman of the industry.  New members are always welcome.  The NEAT can be found on its website or facebook page.

 

Matt Marulli, receiver of many awards will conduct the hands on seminar.  Whether you are beginner or a seasoned taxidermist looking to take it to the next level this workshop could be for you. Bring any mammal you want to work on (coyote or smaller, no squirrels) and they will work on it together.  From eye sets, installing noses to form alterations they can cover whatever you want.

 

The cost is $150 per person, limited to 15 people and lunch will be provided.    The class will run from 8AM to 5PM.    Anyone wishing to attend can contact Matt at 203-734-3263. Cutoff date is March 5.  A 50% deposit will be required to hold your spot.  As the event gets closer they can discuss your piece and what to bring. Some materials may be provided.  Incidentally, the NEAT show will be held at the same hotel in June.  Arrangements to attend or compete in June can also be made through Marulli.

 

There is something special about mounted trophies.  Not just for bragging rights but they serve as reminders of special moments in one’s life. We have some excellent taxidermists in our area, but they aren’t getting any younger.  This may be a great opportunity for new folks to take up this much needed trade.