Senate Votes June 3 on Wild Goose Access; Hearing on Pheasant Rule

WILD GOOSE UPDATE:
SENATE VOTES JUNE 3 ON SUNAPEE LAKE ACCESS STUDY COMMITTEE

CONCORD, N.H. – On Wednesday, June 3, 2009, the N.H. State Senate will vote on an amendment to House Bill 45, which would establish a study committee of legislators to further review the need and costs related to the proposal of the N.H. Fish and Game Department to construct a public boat ramp on the former Wild Goose property on Lake Sunapee in Newbury.

Recent background: On May 28, the State Senate Energy, Environment and Economic Development Committee voted to send the amended bill forward to the full Senate. The committee approved the portion of the proposed amendment that would establish a study committee. It voted against adding a provision to establish a moratorium on proceedings for permits required for such boat ramp.

More information about the Wild Goose project — designed to provide a free, safe, user-friendly public boating access site at Lake Sunapee — can be found on the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website at http://www.wildnh.com/access/wildgoose.

Following is an excerpt from the May 28, 2009, N.H. Senate Calendar (http://gencourt.state.nh.us/scaljourns/calendars/2009/sc%2026.html) with the specific language of the amendment to HB 45 being considered by the Senators on June 3:

AMENDMENT TO HB 45

Amend the title of the bill by replacing it with the following:

AN ACT relative to the water supply land conservation program and establishing a committee to study a proposal by the fish and game department to construct a certain boat ramp.

Amend the bill by inserting after section 3 the following and renumbering the original section 4 to read as 9:

4 Committee Established. There is established a committee to study the need and costs related to the proposal of the fish and game department to construct a public boat ramp on the former Wild Goose property located on Lake Sunapee in Newbury.

5 Membership and Compensation.
I. The members of the committee shall be as follows:
(a) Three members of the house of representatives, at least one of whom shall be from the resources, recreation and development committee, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.
(b) Two members of the senate, at least one of whom shall be from the energy, environment and economic development committee, appointed by the president of the senate.
II. Members of the committee shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the committee.

6 Duties. The committee shall study the need and costs related to a proposal by the fish and game department to construct a public boat ramp on the former Wild Goose property located on Lake Sunapee in Newbury. Areas of study shall include, but not be limited to:
I. Environmental impacts on the shoreland and public drinking water supplies.
II. Alternatives to the project as currently proposed.
III. Land use planning considerations.
IV. Public safety and traffic issues.
V. Local municipal concerns.

7 Chairperson; Quorum. The members of the study committee shall elect a chairperson from among the members. The first meeting of the committee shall be called by the first-named house member. The first meeting of the committee shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Three members of the committee shall constitute a quorum.

8 Report. The committee shall report its findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation to the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, the house clerk, the senate clerk, the governor, and the state library on or before November 1, 2009.

2009-1986s
AMENDED ANALYSIS

This bill:

I. Expands the eligibility for water supply land conservation grants to future sources of public drinking water and broadens the definition of grantees to include non-profit land trust organizations.

II. Establishes a committee to study a proposal by the fish and game department to construct a certain boat ramp.

Energy, Environment and Economic Development
May 28, 2009
2009-1983s
01/09

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HEARING ON PHEASANT HUNTING RULES JUNE 15, 2009

Sandra Falicon: (60… CONTACT: Karen Bordeau: 603-744-5470; Mark Ellingwood: 603-271-2461; Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211
May 29, 2009

CONCORD, N.H. – The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department will hold a public hearing on proposed wildlife rules on Monday, June 15, 2009, at 6:30 p.m. at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H. The proposal would increase the pheasant hunting license fee from $15 to $25. It also would allow sporting clubs to apply for a sporting club youth pheasant event permit for the purpose of teaching safe hunting practices and promoting New Hampshire’s hunting heritage. The youth pheasant event permit would allow a sporting club to possess and release pheasants solely for conducting these events. The rules specify the criteria and conditions for applying for and conducting an event, as well as for participating.

The complete rulemaking notice forms, with original and proposed rule language, may be found at http://www.wildnh.com/Legislative/Notices_summary.htm.

Written comments on the proposed changes may be submitted by June 25, 2009. E-mail to comments@wildlife.nh.gov (reference “Comment on Pheasant Rules” in subject line); fax to (603) 271-1438; or mail to Executive Director, N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301.

A total of 6,434 pheasant hunting licenses were sold in New Hampshire in 2008. To learn more about pheasant hunting in New Hampshire, visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_pheasant.htm.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state’s fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. Visit http://www.WildNH.com.

Atlantic Herring Landing Days; June Commission Meeting at Owl Brook

DURHAM, N.H. — Beginning June 1, 2009, commercial fishermen will be allowed to land Atlantic herring taken from Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Management Area 1A (located in the western half of the Gulf of Maine) on Mondays and Tuesdays. Harvesters will be prohibited from landing Atlantic herring taken from Management Area 1A from 12:01 a.m. on Wednesdays, to midnight on Sundays. The restriction will remain in effect until 95% of the Total Allowable Catch for the period June through September in Area 1A is projected to be exceeded, or until further amended by the ASMFC Atlantic Herring Section.

“To make sure that some of the quota is left for the fall harvesting season, this year in addition to having an annual quota, a portion of the allowable harvest is allocated for each of two seasons — June to September, and October to December,” said Doug Grout, Chief of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Marine Division.

The landing restriction is in accordance with the ASMFC Atlantic Herring Management Plan, which addresses the need to control “effort” (fishing days) in the fishery to prevent harvesters from exceeding the Total Allowable Catch for each management area, which can trigger early closure. Management Area 1A is of particular concern because in recent years the Total Allowable Catch has been harvested before peak market demands abate in the autumn. States involved in the herring fishery are allowed to extend the fishery by controlling fishing effort through landing restrictions. The goal is to provide a consistent supply of herring to the market by controlling landings, particularly early in the season when herring may be localized in Area 1A.

An exception to the rule is that any vessel may land herring taken as an incidental catch in ASMFC Management Area 1A, up to a maximum of 2,000 pounds.

For more information about the restriction, call N.H. Fish and Game’s Marine Fisheries Division, located in Fish and Game’s Region 3 Office in Durham, at (603) 868-1095.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission serves as a deliberative body coordinating the conservation and management of the 15 Atlantic coast states’ shared near-shore fishery resources for sustainable use. Visit http://www.asmfc.org.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state’s marine, fish and wildlife resources and their habitats. Visit http://www.wildnh.com/marine.

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CONCORD, N.H. — The New Hampshire Fish and Game Commission will hold its June meeting on Wednesday, June 17, 2009, at 1:00 p.m., at the Owl Brook Hunter Education Center in Holderness, a New Hampshire Fish and Game Department facility. This is a change from the Commission’s usual meeting place.

Meetings of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Commission are open to the public. As they become available, meeting agendas and minutes are posted at http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/commission.htm.

DIRECTIONS to Owl Brook Hunter Education Center, 387 Perch Pond Road, Holderness, N.H.:
From the South: Take I-93 to Exit 24 (Ashland), at the end of the ramp turn right onto Route 3/Route 25 and proceed into Ashland. In Ashland, bear left at the “Y” and continue along Route 3/25 south until you come to the blinking light at the junction of Route 175. Turn left onto 175 and follow it for 1.7 miles, then turn onto Hardhack Road on the right. Once on Hardhack Road, go about 75 yards and take a right onto Perch Pond Road. Follow Perch Pond Rd. for 1.8 miles, and the entrance to the center will be on the left. The building is 100 yards or so through the gate on the right.
From the North: From I-93, take Exit 25 (Plymouth), at the end of the ramp turn left onto Route 175A. At the top of the hill, bear slightly right onto Route 175. Continue on Route 175 for 2.9 miles to Hardhack Rd. on the left. Once on Hardhack Rd., go about 75 yards and turn right onto Perch Pond Rd. Follow Perch Pond Rd. for 1.8 miles and the entrance to the center will be on the left. The building is 100 yards or so through the gate on the right.

To find out more about the Owl Brook Hunter Education Center, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Hunting/hunter_ed_center.htm.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state’s marine, fish and wildlife resources and their habitats. Visit http://www.wildnh.com.

N.H. Weekly Fishing Report — May 28, 2009

Today’s report comes from Robert Eckert, biological aide for Fish and Game’s seacoast office, who says that groundfishing is great right now and the striper fishing has already begun!

FISH STOCKING STILL GOING STRONG: For a list of sites stocked last week, visit: http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/fish_stock_current.htm.

FREE FISHING DAY this Saturday, June 6. Tell your friends!

Purchase your fishing license online at http://www.FishNH.com, or from any Fish and Game license agent. Don’t forget — kids under 16 fish free in N.H.!

Fish New Hampshire and relax… We have what you’re looking for.

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GROUNDFISHING BONANZA
By Robert Eckert, Biological Aide, Region 3/Durham

With spring fishing season well underway here on New Hampshire’s coast, many offshore anglers are filling their coolers with haddock and Atlantic cod. The daily fishing trips for groundfish on one of New Hampshire’s many charter/head boats started off great a few weeks ago, and have not slowed down. During our head boat monitoring trips for the Marine Recreational Fishing Statistical Survey (MRFSS), we have observed daily haddock catches of 10 or more fish per person and some anglers returning with 30!

Currently, trips out to Jeffreys Ledge have produced some giant codfish. Closer to shore, some of these lunker cod are gathering on muddy bottoms near shore (less than 10 miles, as opposed to 30!) — like the “Mud Hole,” which is due south of the Isles of Shoals. The result: Groundfish anglers over Memorial Day weekend returning with Atlantic cod up to 40 pounds. To target these giant cod, seasoned anglers prefer drifting and jigging a standard jig with a soft plastic teaser above. Lately I’ve seen blue and purple working very well.

For targeting haddock, a two-hook bottom rig with a piece of clam, not too big, will work the best — but make sure to use enough weight to stay on the bottom, so no lighter than 16 ounces. Current limits for Atlantic cod are ten fish per person with a minimum length of 24″. For haddock, there is no bag limit, but a minimum size of 19″ is required.

For those anglers looking to save money and not venture 10 – 30 miles out into the open ocean, there is good news: striped bass fishing has begun! Although the season is starting off slow, it will heat up soon — we’ve had near-record numbers of river herring being recorded at some Fish and Game-operated fish ladders. We have spoken with anglers that have seen the alewives jumping and the “schoolie” striped bass in frenzy below the dams in Newmarket and at Henry Law Park in Dover. The optimal time for fishing these areas is at the peak of high tide, when the herring are really stacking up. The best method for landing the “schoolies” and giant “cow” stripers is to use live bait. Most anglers are using small spoons, sabiki rigs or “flutter hooks” for catching alewives. If the herring are not biting, try throwing out top-water poppers or chunk bait to catch a hard-fighting “line-sider.” Anglers are limited to two striped bass per day, with a minimum length of 28″, but only one
of the two fish can be greater than 40″.

The NH Fish and Game Department’s Marine Fisheries Division is always looking for volunteers to participate in our Striped Bass Volunteer Angler Survey. Participants are provided with logbooks to fill out information about each striper fishing trip they take and record length measurements of all the striped bass they catch. Information collected from the survey is used in the annual coast-wide stock assessment for striped bass that is used for management. In addition, each participant’s name is entered into a year-end raffle for a framed limited edition striped bass print donated to the Department by Coastal Conservation Association of New Hampshire. If you would like to participate, please contact Kevin Sullivan at (603) 8… or Kevin.sullivan@wildlife.nh.gov.

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N.H. party boat companies:

* Al Gauron Deep-Sea Fishing, Hampton Harbor, http://www.algauron.com

* Atlantic Queen II, Rye Harbor, http://www.atlanticwhalewatch.com

* Eastman’s Fishing Fleet, Seabrook Beach, http://www.eastmansdocks.com

* Smith and Gilmore Deep Sea Fishing, Hampton Beach, http://www.smithandgilmore.com

* Yellow Bird Deep Sea Fishing, Hampton Beach, http://www.yellowbirdcharters.com

For more on saltwater fishing in New Hampshire, visit http://www.FishNH.com/marine

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All NH fishing page: http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/fishing.htm.

If you know someone who might like to sign up for the Fishing Report, send them to http://www.fishnh.com/Inside_FandG/join_mail_list.htm.

Hearing 05/28 on LakeSunapee Access Site; Moose Lottery Last Chance!

CONCORD, N.H. — Persons interested in the proposed Wild Goose public boating access site at Lake Sunapee should be aware that a hearing will take place on Thursday, May 28, at 8:30 a.m., regarding a late change to House Bill 45, that could have a dramatic impact on the process for site permitting.

According to the NH Senate calendar issued on May 21, at the May 28 hearing, “There will be an amendment proposed which will add new text to the bill and will change the title to read: ‘HB 45, relative to the water supply land conservation program, establishing a committee to study a proposal by the fish and game department to construct a certain boat ramp, and establishing a moratorium on proceedings for permits required for such boat ramp.’” (Senate calendar: http://gencourt.state.nh.us/scaljourns/calendars/2009/sc%2025.html. Current bill language: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2009/HB0045.html. New bill text is not available as of May 22.)

The hearing takes place on Thursday, May 28, at 8:30 a.m., before the N.H. Senate Energy, Environment and Economic Development Committee in Rooms 305-307 of the Legislative Office Building in Concord, N.H.

More information about the Wild Goose project — designed to provide a free, safe, user-friendly public boating access site at Lake Sunapee — can be found on the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website at http://www.wildnh.com/access/wildgoose.

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LAST CHANCE FOR 2009 MOOSE HUNT — LOTTERY CLOSES MAY 29, 2009
CONTACT: Linda Verville,(603) 271-2461; Kristine Rines, (603)744-5470
May 21, 2009

CONCORD, N.H. — If you want a chance to hunt moose in New Hampshire this fall, then you better get your application in for the 2009 New Hampshire moose hunt lottery by Friday, May 29. Enter to win one of 515 New Hampshire moose hunting permits at http://www.huntnh.com or pick up an application from any license agent.

If you have not yet applied, moose lottery applications for 2009 must be postmarked or submitted online by midnight Eastern Time on Friday, May 29, 2009, or delivered to N.H. Fish and Game headquarters in Concord before 4:00 p.m. that day. If you’re one of those who waits ’til the end, the end is HERE! You must submit a complete and accurate application by the deadline. Late applications will not be accepted. Applying online greatly reduces the chance you will leave information off or make a mistake that would render your application unacceptable.

Winners will be selected through a computerized random drawing on June 19, 2009.

Permit holders can choose another hunter of any age to accompany them on the hunt; only one moose may be taken per permit. New Hampshire’s 2009 moose hunt runs from October 17 to 25. If you don’t have the time or resources to hunt this fall, be sure to apply so you still get a bonus point and preserve your accrued points.

For more about moose hunting in New Hampshire and the New Hampshire moose hunt lottery, visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_moose.htm.

N.H. Weekly Fishing Report — May 21, 2009

In today’s report, the fish are biting in the Lakes Region! Fisheries biologist Don Miller brings an update from the big lakes, rivers and ponds. Enjoy the long weekend, everyone!

STOCKING TRUCKS ARE ROLLING… 170+ sites were stocked with fish last week! Visit: http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/fish_stock_current.htm. Also, all 760 brood stock Atlantic salmon slated for spring release have been stocked into the Merrimack and Pemigewassett rivers.

LAKE SUNAPEE – WILD GOOSE ACCESS SITE: The public comment period regarding the Wild Goose wetland permit application to the N.H. Department of Environmental Services Wetlands Bureau has been extended to June 26, 2009. For information about the proposed Wild Goose Boating Access Site, visit http://www.fishnh.com/access/wildgoose.

FREE FISHING DAY is just a week away – Saturday, June 6. Tell your friends!

Purchase your fishing license online at http://www.FishNH.com, or from any Fish and Game license agent. Don’t forget — kids under 16 fish free in N.H.!

All NH fishing page: http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/fishing.htm.

If you know someone who might like to sign up for the Fishing Report, send them to http://www.fishnh.com/Inside_FandG/join_mail_list.htm.

Fish New Hampshire and relax… We have what you’re looking for.

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COOL RIVERS – HOT FISHING IN THE LAKES REGION
By Don Miller, Large Lakes Fisheries Biologist, Region 2/New Hampton

LARGE LAKES

We’ve enjoyed a rather cool spring in the Lakes Region, and this has resulted in cool water temps in our big lakes; the temperature at Winnipesaukee (main lake and the Broads) has been around 50 – 55 degrees F this week.

The recent Winni Derby was a success, with a 4.12-lb. landlocked salmon taking the major prize and an 8.5-lb. laker taking the “togue” category. The lake trout brought in by anglers were gorgeous fish, as fat and healthy as I’ve ever seen. Lots of two-year-old salmon were reported, and this bodes well for the future salmon fishery in the “Big Lake.” Lake trout are still in shallow water, reports from Winnisquam have bass fishermen catching lakers in water 20 feet deep. Generally, look for lakers in water around 40-60 feet deep. Trolled bait (golden shiners) fished slowly along the bottom and edges of drop-offs is the best method. Sutton 44 and 61 spoons are always a top choice, and don’t forget the old-standby, Flashking wobbler in gold/fluorescent for lake trout also.

The landlocked salmon fishing has tailed off a bit, but the early morning anglers will still have luck trolling 3-5 colors of lead-core line (20-25 feet deep). Periodically, salmon seem to switch off this time of year, usually concurrent with the major phantom midge hatches on the lakes. At this time of year it is essential to be on the water in the pre-dawn hours, and fish until 9 o’clock or so, in order to find the salmon — occasionally a mid-late morning/early afternoon second bite occurs, depending on weather conditions.

Rainbow trout fishing has been hot in Winnipesaukee and Squam lakes. We’ve caught them on a variety of small streamers (size 6), hardware and live shiners. I like to use a sinking-tip fly line, 30 foot leader (6-lb. test), and troll the shorelines out to a depth of 30 – 40 feet. Work the fly rod with intermittent pulls, and troll at various speeds, 1.5-3 mph., in a curve or zigzag pattern.

RIVERS

The Pemigewasset River in Bristol (off the Coolidge Woods Road) offers some incredible trout fishing (rainbows and brookies). This area is also a favored spot for Atlantic salmon broodstock fishing. The water flow in this river is excellent now, and the pools and riffles offer a great variety of habitats for fly, bait or spin fishing. Also try the bigger water below Eastman Falls Dam in Franklin (catch and release area). Colorful streamers work well on these salmon. Don’t forget to pick up your brood stock Atlantic salmon permit and tags for this wonderful fishery. Area brooks have been stocked and the dry spell this spring has left water levels low, so don’t procrastinate, get out and treat yourself to some tasty squaretails!

PONDS

Brook trout ponds in the area are producing limit catches of rainbows and brookies. Saltmarsh Pond/Gilford, Spectacle Pond/Groton and Perch Pond/Campton are great trout ponds. Hatches of caddis are in full swing on ponds throughout the area. Upper Hall Pond (Sandwich), White Pond (Ossipee), and Sky Pond (New Hampton), are fly-fishing only ponds where the angler can be treated to some fantastic dry-fly action now.

Comment Deadline Extended for Wild Goose Boat Ramp on Lake Sunapee

CONCORD, N.H. – The process of developing the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s new boat access facility at the Wild Goose site on Lake Sunapee continues, with the public comment period extended to June 26, 2009, regarding a wetland permit application from the N.H. Department of Environmental Services (DES) Wetlands Bureau.

Written comments regarding the project may be sent to: NHDES Wetlands Bureau, P.O. Box 95, Concord, NH 03302 (reference Proposed Boat Access Wild Goose site, Lake Sunapee, Wetlands Application/Permit # 2008-02781). The scheduled public hearing took place May 13.

“The Wild Goose Access Site project at Lake Sunapee has been in the works for 19 years. It is important for the public to have safe, adequate access to New Hampshire’s sixth largest lake,” said N.H. Fish and Game Executive Director Glenn Normandeau. “Current access is not adequate. Our goal is to fulfill our responsibility to not discriminate against those who are not otherwise able to access Lake Sunapee. We plan to build an attractive, safe, free, user-friendly facility that will be an asset for the state.”

Normandeau noted that the planned Wild Goose facility is an environmentally responsible, state-of-the-art project that will safeguard the water quality of Lake Sunapee through the use of pervious pavement, bioretention areas and other low-impact development techniques to minimize impacts from runoff. No fertilizers or biocides will be used on the site.

The proposed Wild Goose boating access site has a long history, which began in 1990, when the Land Conservation Investment Program (LCIP) purchased the 133-acre tract on Lake Sunapee in Newbury at a foreclosure auction for $603,614. The parcel includes a 3.3-acre lakefront site, which was given to the N.H. Fish and Game Department to manage with the understanding that it would be developed into the primary public boat access to one of the state’s largest lakes.

The Public Water Access Advisory Board (PWAAB), which advises Fish and Game on public access initiatives, has been working on the Wild Goose project since the Board was established in 1993. “We’ve been involved in the public process of trying to develop the site all these years,” said PWAAB Chairman Thomas Quarles. “The board voted unanimously in 2004 to move forward on developing the site as a full public boat access facility, and that remains the Board’s position. The land for the Wild Goose site was bought specifically to put in a boat ramp to allow the general citizens of New Hampshire to have access to one of the most beautiful and desirable waters in the state. Sporting and fishing groups feel the public process has been frustrated by the lack of progress on developing this project.”

Under N.H. State Law, the Fish and Game Department is mandated to establish public access to waterbodies over 10 acres in size, known as “great ponds,” which are by statute publicly owned.

The Wild Goose facility is needed because, while there are a number of other existing boat ramps on Lake Sunapee, all have serious limitations. There are several other access sites on the lake, but none are adequate – parking is extremely limited or restricted to residents only, fees are charged, or they are not useable by larger boats, among other concerns. These other existing sites were considered for expansion by Fish and Game during the planning for the Wild Goose project, but none were found to be acceptable. Mt. Sunapee State Park Beach, for example, has a shallow sandy ramp, but is not under consideration as a site for increased boat-access facilities for a variety of reasons, in particular potential boater/swimmer conflicts. It was not considered advisable or safe to combine the proposed boat launch with the only public beach in the area. The state beach site also raises environmental concerns, because it would require massive dredging that would adversely impact important fisheries habitat and spawning activity. Also, access to the state park is restricted during the early morning, when many boaters and anglers prefer to be on the water. The existing boat launch at Sunapee Harbor has limited parking; pedestrian safety, long waits and traffic congestion are among the concerns.

N.H. Fish and Game Commissioner Tom Hubert, who represents Sullivan County, has had a family cottage on Lake Sunapee since 1973. “I virtually grew up on the lake; I have fished and explored every corner of it. I wholeheartedly support the Wild Goose access site,” said Hubert. “The sportsmen and boaters of Sullivan County are very much in favor of this project. There’s a tremendous need for reasonable, convenient access to Lake Sunapee. Over the last ten years, the existing access has become more problematic, as parking has gotten more limited, or further and further away from this wonderful public body of water.”

Learn more about the proposed Wild Goose access site, and see a computer-generated illustration of the planned project, at http://www.wildnh.com/access/wildgoose.

Find out more about New Hampshire’s Public Water Access Advisory Board at http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/public_water_advisory_bd.htm.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is responsible for establishing public boating access for the benefit of all citizens. State Law gives Fish and Game this authority in order to assure public boating access in perpetuity to the general public. In establishing new access areas, the Department follows a detailed process, beginning with meeting with the public, assessing environmental, cultural, social and political considerations and following all permitting requirements of the State of New Hampshire. Fish and Game currently administers more than 134 public water access sites throughout the state. The Department is the guardian of the state’s fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. Visit http://www.wildnh.com.

Endangered Piping Plover Nesting Season Underway on N.H. Beaches

CONCORD, N.H. — Four pairs of piping plovers have returned to the New Hampshire seacoast this spring to nest and raise their young. These state-endangered and federally threatened migratory shorebirds have been nesting each year at locations on Hampton and Seabrook beaches since 1997, when they were first discovered by a jogger running on the beach.

“We have three nests established so far; two are at Seabrook Beach and one is at Hampton Beach State Park,” said Samantha Niziolek, the 2009 piping plover monitor for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program. Each of the nests has a protective fence around it, and is covered with netting to keep predators away and protect the birds and their eggs during incubation. “The fourth pair has mostly been seen in Seabrook, although nesting scrapes in the sand have also been found in Hampton,” Niziolek said. “We’re not sure where this pair will decide to nest; they are our mystery couple right now.”

So far, things are going quite well; good weather and early nesting means the chicks will hatch early and be able to fly before the Fourth of July holiday. According to Niziolek, the nest at Hampton Beach State Park should be the first to hatch, with chicks expected right around Memorial Day weekend. The two nests in Seabrook are both expected to hatch soon after, during the week of June 4-13.

Once the chicks hatch, their first 30 days are crucial to their survival. The chicks have feathers when they hatch, but they are unable to fly until they reach about 30 days of age. The tiny hatchlings are able to walk and feed themselves just hours after birth, and may be seen scurrying between the dunes and water, feeding.

“Watch where you step,” Niziolek cautioned, “There will be little chicks around, and their defense mechanism is to freeze when people get close, which makes them difficult to see.” The chicks are about the size of a cottonball when first born, and both the chicks and adults are light colored and blend in with the sand very well.

“Another concern is that after Memorial Day, people should start leashing their dogs,” Niziolek said. “Dogs are one of the biggest threats to endangered piping plovers.” Free-running dogs can accidentally step on and crush eggs and chicks. They also may chase the birds, which can lead to many problems, including causing stress for the birds and separating adults from their chicks; dogs have even been known to kill the tiny birds. Hampton Beach State Park and the Town of Seabrook both have restrictions regarding dogs on beaches during the summer. People should check before bringing their dog on any public beach.

Once the plover chicks begin to hatch around Memorial Day, Niziolek will be in need of volunteers to help monitor the plovers. “When the chicks in Seabrook hatch the chicks in Hampton will still be unable to fly, so an extra set of eyes would be helpful. One person could monitor at Seabrook, while the other keeps watch in Hampton,” Niziolek explained. Anyone interested in volunteering with plover monitoring duties can contact Niziolek at 603-419-9728.

While things are going smoothly so far for the plovers nesting in New Hampshire, this spring has not been free of incident. During the night of Monday, May 4, vandalism took place at Hampton Beach State Park near the nesting birds. “Someone broke into the fence protecting the plover nest, bent the metal poles, tore the netting on top and stole one of the piping plover eggs,” said Niziolek. Footprints in and around the nest site were evidence of what had taken place. Niziolek notified officials with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, who are investigating the incident. Since piping plovers are listed as endangered in New Hampshire and threatened throughout their range in the United States, they are protected by both state and federal endangered species laws. “Both the male and female adult piping plovers are continuing to incubate the remaining three eggs at the Hampton location,” said Niziolek. “The eggs appear to be unharmed, but we still don’t know whether or not they
will hatch.”

On a more positive note, volunteer Don Felix from Seabrook has taken on a new documentary role this summer. Felix, who first discovered the plovers nesting in Seabrook in 1997 while jogging, has been involved with the plover project ever since. He has been instrumental in monitoring the birds and helping to set up fencing every year. This year, Felix has decided to video the breeding plovers and create a piping plover documentary. Using a video camera he purchased himself, he has been filming biologists and volunteers setting up fencing and recording the birds’ behavior and activities. “It is quite exciting to be creating this kind of record,” said Niziolek. “Felix has gotten some really great footage already!” Felix plans on providing N.H. Fish and Game with a copy of his piping plover documentary, once complete.

N.H. Fish and Game will again work closely this summer with beach managers to temporarily halt beach raking in nesting areas to protect the birds and leave some seaweed that washes ashore, since it harbors insects and other invertebrates that provide vital food sources for the plovers. Fencing and signs will remain in place until all chicks are able to fly. These measures help provide the birds with space free from disturbance by humans during the summer breeding season. “We appreciate the public’s patience, cooperation and understanding of the need to respect nesting areas and avoid beach raking during a critical time for the plovers,” said John Kanter, Coordinator of Fish and Game’s Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program. “Together, we’re helping to give an endangered species a chance for survival.”

Since protection efforts began in 1997, a total of 81 piping plover chicks have fledged from New Hampshire’s seacoast. New Hampshire’s efforts are part of a region-wide protection program; overall, the Atlantic coast population of piping plovers continues to hold steady.

Protection of this endangered species is a cooperative effort of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, N.H. Fish and Game Department, N.H. Division of Parks and Recreation, the Town of Seabrook, the Town of Hampton, volunteers, local residents and beach visitors.

For more information on piping plovers, visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife website at http://plover.fws.gov.

For more on the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program, visit http://www.wildnh.com/nongame.

Two Free Fishing Classes Offered in Rindge, Moultonborough in June

LEARN HOW TO FISH — FREE FISHING CLASS IN RINDGE, N.H., STARTS JUNE 4
CONTACT: Karina Jolles: (603) 271-3212; Peggy Brogan: (603) 899-6847
May 19, 2009

CONCORD, N.H. — With summer right around the corner, are you looking for a fun way to get outside with family and friends? Try fishing! If you don’t know the first thing about rigging a rod and finding a place to fish, but want to give this economical and enjoyable pastime a try, get started by taking a free class offered by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s “Let’s Go Fishing” Program and the Rindge Recreation Department in June. You’ll get a jump on the summer season and discover a recreational activity that everyone in the family can enjoy. All for free!

The “Introduction to Fishing” class will be held on Thursday evenings in June, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Rindge Recreation Department, 283 Wellington Road, in Rindge. The class is open to anyone; however, we recommend that those age 16 and under be accompanied by an adult. Reserve your spot in the class by contacting the Rindge Recreation Department at (603) 899-6847. The class is free, and registration is first-come, first-served. All equipment and materials will be provided. You do not need to have a fishing license to participate.

The first three Thursdays (June, 4, 11 and 18) will be spent at the Rindge Recreation Department, where you will learn about equipment, safety, knot tying, fish identification, basic ecology and different casting techniques. On the fourth Thursday (June 25) we will head out to the local lake and put your newly learned skills to the test!

New Hampshire Fish and Game’s “Let’s Go Fishing” program has taught thousands of children and adults to be safe, ethical and successful anglers. Find out more at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/lets_go_fishing.htm. The program is federally funded through the Sport Fish Restoration Program.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department works to conserve, manage and protect the state’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, as well as providing the public with opportunities to use and appreciate these resources. Visit http://www.FishNH.com.

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FREE “INTRO TO FISHING” CLASS IN MOULTONBOROUGH, N.H., STARTS JUNE 16
CONTACT: Karina Walsh: 603-271-3212 Will Powers 603-476-5631
May 19, 2009

CONCORD, N.H. — Calling all want-to-be anglers! The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s “Let’s Go Fishing” Program and the Winnipesaukee Sportsmen’s Club are teaming up to give you the chance to get a jump on the summer season and learn how to fish. A two-week “Introduction to Fishing” program in Moultonborough starts June 16. This free class will teach you everything you need to know about fishing — a fun recreational activity that everyone in the family can enjoy!

The class will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (June 16, 18, 23 and 25) from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday, June 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Participants should plan on attending all five days.

The class is open to anyone, however, those age 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Reserve your spot by contacting “Let’s Go Fishing” volunteer instructor Will Powers at (603) 476-5631. The class is free, and registration is first-come, first-served. Space is limited, so call now to sign up. All equipment and materials will be provided. You do not need to have a fishing license to participate.

The Tuesday and Thursday classes will be spent at the Winnipesaukee Sportsmen’s Club Clubhouse on Route 109 in Moultonborough, learning about equipment, safety, knot tying, fish identification, basic ecology and different casting techniques. On Saturday, June 27, you will head out to Lee’s Mills and put your newly learned skills to the test!

New Hampshire Fish and Game’s “Let’s Go Fishing” program has taught thousands of children and adults to be safe, ethical and successful anglers. Find out more at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/lets_go_fishing.htm. The program is federally funded through the Sport Fish Restoration Program.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department works to conserve, manage and protect the state’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, as well as providing the public with opportunities to use and appreciate these resources. Visit http://www.fishnh.com.

Skinny Moose Media Will Live-Stream Maine Moose Lottery

Mark your calendars! June 18th, 2009 will be the annual drawing for the Maine Moose Lottery. This year 3,015 permits will be drawn and as is usually the case thousands of applicants keep their fingers crossed in hopes of being one of the lucky ones.

This year’s event will be held at the University of Maine at Fort Kent and as last year, Skinny Moose Media, in conjunction with U.S. Hunting Today and Maine Hunting Today, will live-stream the video and audio of the event.

Tom Remington, Vice President of Skinny Moose Media, LLC, author of the Black Bear Blog and Managing Editor of U.S. Hunting Today and Maine Hunting Today, will be on hand at the show to conduct interviews and do the filming of the event. He will have his long time friend and Chief Photographer for Skinny Moose Media, Milt Inman with him to assist and grab tons of candid shots throughout the day and evening. Read more

Four Massachusetts Hikers Rescued In New Hampshire’s White Mountains

CONCORD, N.H. — Four young hikers lost in darkness without map or lights on the Attitash Mountain Trail in Bartlett, N.H., were rescued late last night (Sunday, May 18) by New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Conservation Officers. They are Julie Davenport, age 21, from North Brookfield, Mass.; Kyla Batchelder, age 21, of Stoughton, Mass.; Joslyn Phelps, age 21, Pittsfield, Mass.; and Tim Bergman, age 20, North Brookfield, Mass. The rescued hikers are all in good condition.

The four were staying in the Barlett area and decided to go for a hike on Sunday. They set out on the Attitash Mountain Trail, in the White Mountain National Forest in the town of Bartlett, at about 5:00 p.m. They did not have a trail map, backpacks or any lights with them. They mistakenly thought that the trail was a loop trail that would return them to the trailhead. In fact, the trail they were following was a more than eight-mile hike over two mountaintops.

As darkness fell, the hikers lost the trail. They stopped by a stream, Lucy Brook, and were able to use a cell phone to call for help at about 9:00 p.m. Sunday evening. Two N.H. Fish and Game Conservation Officers hiked in and found them at around 11:30 p.m., using whistles and lights to signal their presence to the hikers. The group was 2.8 miles from trailhead when they were located. The search team then helped the hikers walk out, reaching the trailhead with them at 1:00 a.m. today.

No further information is available at this time.

New Hampshire Fish and Game urges all those enjoying New Hampshire’s outdoors to review and practice the hikeSafe Hiker Responsibility Code (below), and encourage others to do so. You are responsible for yourself, so be prepared:

* With knowledge and gear. Become self-reliant by learning about the terrain, conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start.
* To leave your plans. Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, when you’ll return and your emergency plans.
* To stay together. When you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a group. Pace your hike to the slowest person.
* To turn back. Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Fatigue and unexpected conditions can also affect your hike. Know your limitations and when to postpone your hike. The mountains will be there another day.
* For emergencies. Even if you are headed out for just an hour, an injury, severe weather or a wrong turn could become life threatening. Don’t assume you will be rescued; know how to rescue yourself.
* To share the hiker code with others.

For information on being safe while hiking, including ten essential items to have with you, visit http://www.hikesafe.com.

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