Basic Navigation Workshop (Map & Compass): May 15 in Holderness, N.H

HOLDERNESS, N.H.: Learn to find your way in the wilderness at a beginning level map and compass navigation workshop being offered Saturday, May 15, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Owl Brook Hunter Education Center in Holderness, N.H. Space in the class is limited. Pre-registration is required, and will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, contact the Owl Brook Hunter Education Center at 603-536-3954. There is no charge for the course.

Workshop participants will learn the basic skills they need to navigate using a map and compass, enabling them to find their way in the woods while hunting, hiking or enjoying other outdoor pursuits. Whether you are a novice or just looking to brush up on your knowledge of how to use a map and compass, this workshop is for you.

Participants will spend some time in the classroom learning how a compass works, how to read topographical maps, and how to use them together. Once comfortable with the basic knowledge learned in the classroom, participants will head out to practice their skills in an outdoor setting by navigating the Owl Brook map and compass course.

The mission of the Owl Brook Hunter Education Center is to educate individuals in the knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed to become safe and responsible hunters, trappers and stewards of the state’s natural resources. Its facilities include shooting ranges, classroom space, interpretive trails and orienteering courses. To learn more about Owl Brook and find directions for getting there, visit http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/hunter_ed_center.htm.

Activities at Owl Brook are made possible by Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration funds.

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.huntnh.com.

Designated Trout and Fly-Fishing-Only Ponds Open April 24

CONCORD, N.H. — Fishing in New Hampshire’s designated trout ponds and fly-fishing-only ponds opens this year on April 24 (the fourth Saturday in April), offering anglers the chance to experience exciting fishing in some of the Granite State’s most scenic surroundings. These ponds are managed specifically for trout, and fishing is allowed through October 15.

“These trout ponds are often the best waters in a given area for a variety of reasons,” said New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Fisheries Biologist Don Miller. “Excellent habitat, low species competition and the fact that these ponds are closed to ice-fishing allow these waters to be managed for the trout fishing enthusiast.”

Ponds managed for trout may be stocked with one or more species, including brook, rainbow and/or brown trout, with age classes ranging from “yearlings” (8-12 inches), 2-year olds (12-15 inches), and 3+ year olds (measured in lbs.!).

“Trout are prized by anglers because they can be a challenge to catch, and fishing for them is one of the traditional rites of spring,” Miller said. “Whether your passion is a multi-colored brook trout, a leaping rainbow or the determined fight of a brown, there’s a New Hampshire trout pond within reasonable driving distance for you.”

Hot Hole Pond and Clough Pond in Loudon, French Pond in Henniker, Mount William Pond in Weare, Dublin Lake in Dublin, Lucas Pond (tiger trout) in Northwood, and Barbadoes Pond in Madbury are a few of the generously stocked early season hotspots where opening day trout are taken. It gets no better than this for taking the youngsters along with a simple “garden hackle” (worm) under a bobber, or floating PowerBait fished just off the bottom.

As the ice recedes from the more northerly locales and higher altitudes, some of the most popular ponds in the Lakes Region, White Mountains, and North Country become accessible, such as Echo Lake in Franconia, Russell Pond in Woodstock, Conner Pond and Duncan Lake in Ossipee, White Lake in Tamworth, Perch Pond in Campton, Saltmarsh Pond in Gilford, Spectacle Pond in Groton, Back Lake in Pittsburg, Fish Pond in Columbia and Little Diamond Pond in Stewartstown.

For those looking for a true wilderness experience, check out one of the approximately 50 remote trout ponds Fish and Game annually stocks with fingerling brook trout via helicopter (listed at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/trout_remote.htm). Flat Mountain Pond in Sandwich, Cole Pond in Enfield (fly fishing only), Butterfield Pond in Wilmot, Peaked Hill Pond in Thornton, Black Pond and Lonesome Lake in Lincoln are just a sampling of these delightful ponds, where fingerling brook trout often grow to 8-10 inches by their second growing season, and it’s not unusual to pull in brookies 15 inches or longer. Trophy remote-pond brook trout three or more years old, some in excess of 17-18 inches, are available.

Archery Pond in Allenstown (with a wheelchair-accessible casting platform) and Stonehouse Pond in Barrington are two popular fly-fishing-only ponds that are typically ice-free and well stocked for the opener. If you travel over to Antrim and fish Willard Pond, you will be treated to a “north country experience,” forested, undeveloped shorelines and the “triple treat” of fly-fishing, brook, rainbow and tiger trout. Following the receding “glacier” north, Upper Hall Pond in Sandwich, Sky Pond in New Hampton, Profile Lake in Franconia, White Lake in Ossipee and Coon Brook Bog in Pittsburg all offer excellent opportunities to “match the hatch” throughout spring and early summer.

Many trout ponds received a surplus stocking of older-aged fish last fall, these trout will really surprise you with their size and beauty!

For a list of trout ponds and fly-fishing-only ponds in New Hampshire, as well as a description of special rules that apply to certain ponds, consult the 2010 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, available online at http://www.fishnh.com or from any Fish and Game license agent when you buy your license.

Free Talks in April on Fly Fishing, Northern Forest Canoe Trail

CONCORD, N.H. — There are two talks left in Fish and Game’s free Wednesday evening sessions on outdoor topics. This week’s presentation (April 14) explores fly fishing with veteran angler Angus Boezeman; and the series wraps up on April 28 with a talk and slide show about adventuring on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail given by the Trail’s Director Kate Williams. Talks begin at 7 p.m. at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H. Pre-registration is required; reserve your space by calling 603-271-6355. Attendees will not receive confirmation unless the program is at capacity.

STREAMSIDE STRATEGIES – April 14: Get tips from expert fly fisherman and registered New Hampshire fishing guide Angus Boezeman at his talk, “Streamside Strategies,” which will take you through the mechanics of reading the stream, fly selection and advanced presenting techniques for fly fishing. Boezeman offers an in-depth knowledge and passionate enthusiasm for fly fishing in New Hampshire.

CANOE AND KAYAK THE NORTHERN TRAIL – April 28: The Northern Forest Canoe Trail traverses the roof of the Adirondacks and the Northern Forest. Called the “magnificent obsession” by the New York Times, this inland water trail traces traditional Native American travel routes across 740-miles in New York, Vermont, Québec, New Hampshire and Maine. Join Kate Williams, Executive Director for the Northern Forest Canoe Trail since 2004, for a virtual journey along this diverse and enchanting route. Learn about the variety of opportunities available along the route for trips of various lengths, from an afternoon to a lifetime. Maps and a newly released guidebook will be available for sale, along with other information about the Trail. For more information, visit http://www.NorthernForestCanoeTrail.org
or contact info@northernforestcanoetrail.org.

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.

Come to Discover WILD New Hampshire Day, April 17, Rain or Shine!

CONCORD, N.H. — Celebrate Earth Day by bringing the family to Discover WILD New Hampshire Day — Saturday, April 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H. Admission is free. This outdoor festival is fun for all ages – kids can try archery, cast with the “Let’s Go Fishing” program, and create wildlife arts and crafts. Sample a fish fillet or build a bird house. See retriever dogs in action, live animals, big trout, trained falcons and the “Battling Bull Moose of Fowlertown” life-sized exhibit. Check out gas-saving hybrid vehicles and other ideas for conserving energy and protecting our environment. Exhibits, presentations and demonstrations throughout the day. For more information, visit http://www.WildNH.com. The event is held rain or shine. Food concession available.

Discover WILD New Hampshire Day is co-sponsored by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES), with support from the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire.

Discover WILD New Hampshire Day brings together more than 35 outdoor, wildlife, environmental and conservation groups from every corner of the state. Stroll through exhibits and demonstrations exploring all that’s wild about New Hampshire, ranging from the Appalachian Mountain Club, the N.H. Wild Turkey Federation and N.H. Audubon to Trout Unlimited, the Loki Clan Wolf Refuge and the Loon Preservation Center. Meet Smokey Bear and learn about New Hampshire forests and lands. Find out how to protect the state’s air and water quality by visiting DES exhibits on watersheds, wells, dams and household hazardous waste. Get an up-close look at alternative-fuel vehicles and take a free tour of the DES air quality monitoring station.

Special presentations will go on throughout the day inside Fish and Game headquarters:
* 10:15 a.m.: Wildlife Photography Basics – Alan Briere, professional photographer
* 11:15 a.m.: It’s Easy Being Green – Department of Environmental Services
* 12:00 noon: Nature’s Technology – Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
* 1:00 p.m.: Whose Eyes Are These? – New Hampshire Audubon
* 2:00 p.m.: Please Turn Off the Lights! – Wildlife Encounters Zoo

Nature walks, tours and demonstrations add to the fun:
* What’s In Your Pack: 11:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 1:30 p.m.
* Landscaping for Wildlife: 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.

Participate in on-going activities throughout the day:
* Take a free tour of the DES Air Quality Monitoring Station
* See retrieval dogs in action
* Learn to find your way with basic map and compass
* Practice casting with “Let’s Go Fishing” instructors
* Become a Junior Conservation Officer
* Explore the Discovery Room & Junior Duck Stamp Art Exhibit

The Fish and Game License Office will be open during the event, so stop by and purchase your fishing or hunting license while you’re at Discover WILD New Hampshire Day. Check out new Fish and Game official merchandise, including hats, shirts and more!

Discover WILD New Hampshire Day began in New Hampshire in 1989 as an observance of Earth Day and a celebration of the state’s wealth of natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities. More than 5,000 people attended last year’s event.

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services works for the protection and wise management of New Hampshire’s environment. Its responsibilities include ensuring high water quality for water supplies, ecological balance and recreational benefits; regulating the emissions of air pollutants; fostering the proper management of municipal and industrial waste; and managing water resources for future generations. Visit http://www.des.nh.gov.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department works to conserve, manage and protect the state’s
fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. Visit http://www.wildnh.com.

New Hampshire’s Youth Turkey Weekend – May 1-2, 2010

CONCORD, N.H. — New Hampshire’s 2010 youth turkey hunt will take place Saturday and Sunday, May 1-2, the weekend before spring gobbler season gets underway on May 3. This year marks the sixth annual youth turkey hunt weekend in New Hampshire. During the 2009 youth weekend, young hunters took an impressive 570 gobblers, or 14.1% of the total spring turkey harvest in the state (very similar to the previous year).

To participate in the special weekend turkey hunt, youth hunters must be age 15 or younger and must be accompanied by a properly licensed adult age 18 or older. The adult may not carry a firearm or bow and arrow. Youth hunters do not need a hunting license, but they must have a valid turkey permit ($16 resident, $31 nonresident). Accompanying adults must hold either a current N.H. hunting or archery license AND a turkey permit.

For more information on turkey hunting in New Hampshire and a link to online license and permit sales, go to http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_turkey.htm.

The special weekend provides youth and mentoring adults a quiet, noncompetitive time in the woods, where they can focus on safety, ethics, hunting methods and natural science.

“Nothing generates more compliments, letters of thanks, and photographs of proud parents and beaming kids, than our youth turkey weekend,” said Mark Ellingwood, wildlife programs administrator for Fish and Game. “We take great pride and satisfaction in providing young people and mentoring adults with the opportunity to learn safe hunting practices, to put lean, healthy, natural food on their family table, and to enjoy the spellbinding wonders and beauty of New Hampshire’s spring woodlands.”

“Youth weekend is a great opportunity for an adult and child to spend time together without the stressful distractions of modern life,” Ellingwood added. “Our spring woods are full of spellbinding natural beauty, be it spectacular spring flowers, the melodious mystery of feverishly singing migrant warblers, or the thundering reverberations of gobbling turkeys from their ridge-top roosts. Oh sure, bring your shotgun, but also bring your binoculars, your camera and your field guides; you won’t be disappointed. It’s a sure-fire way to build bonds with your son or daughter that will last a lifetime.”

In addition to their special weekend, youth can hunt during the regular spring gobbler season (May 3-31), when accompanied by a properly licensed adult age 18 or older (all youth require a valid turkey permit). For more details on youth hunting in New Hampshire, see http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/youth_hunting.htm.

Fish and Game urges all turkey hunters, including youth, to memorize the following list of ten safety guidelines before going out in the field:

1. Never stalk a turkey. It rarely works and it increases the risk of an accident.
2. Never wear red, white, blue or black over or under-clothing, as these are prominent colors of displaying gobblers.
3. Never call from a tree that is thinner than the width of your shoulders.
4. Never jump or turn suddenly in response to a suspected turkey.
5. Never call from a site where you can’t see at least 40 yards in all directions.
6. Never imitate a gobbler call while concealed in a stand.
7. Never presume that what you hear or what responds to your call is a turkey.
8. Never think that your camouflage makes you totally invisible. To ID yourself to other hunters, wrap an orange band around the tree nearest you.
9. Never hide so well that you can’t see what’s happening around you.
10. Never move or wave to alert approaching hunters; shout “stop” instead.

Hunter education is not required for youth hunters under age 16. Youth are encouraged to complete the hunter education course between the age of 12 and their 16th birthday. Many hunter and bowhunter education classes are available in April. To sign up, visit http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/hunter_ed.htm. Hunter education classes are made possible by the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program.

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.HuntNH.com.

Free Seminar: “Inside Turkey Hunting” March 31 & April 7 in Concord

CONCORD, N.H. — Get ready for a great spring gobbler season by coming to a free Wednesday evening talk on turkey hunting at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive in Concord, N.H. You have two opportunities to hear the talk, as it will be offered on March 31 and repeated on April 7. The talk begins at 7:00 p.m. on both nights. There is no charge, but pre-registration is required. Reserve your space by calling 603-271-6355. Attendees will not receive confirmation unless the program is at capacity.

“Inside Turkey Hunting” brings together Bill Devon of Quaker Boy Calls and “Big Daddy” David Smith, a hunting guide, to share the insights of their combined 50+ years of hunting these crafty birds. This seminar will provide tips for any turkey hunter, whether new or experienced. Devon and Smith will prepare you for a successful turkey season with pre-season tips including scouting, patterning your shotgun, call maintenance and locating turkeys. They will also cover basic equipment needs, explain the types of calls and demonstrate different calls. You’ll hear about safety in turkey hunting, preparing your bird for taxidermy or cooking it. Bring your questions!

Instructor Bill Devon gives turkey hunting seminars at sportsmen’s shows, clubs and shops, as well as events for National Wild Turkey Federation chapters. He is on the Quaker Boy Game Calls Pro-Staff and currently is President of the New Hampshire State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. Devon has taken turkeys in nine states and Mexico, giving him “Royal Slam” status.

David Smith is the owner/operator of Double “D” Guide Service of Dover, N.H. He is a registered Maine guide, a licensed N.H. guide and has guided professionally in Florida and Vermont. One of Knight and Hales Elite Pro–Staffers, he gives turkey hunting seminars throughout New England. He is currently a member of the board of directors of the N.H. State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

The turkey hunting talk is part of Fish and Game’s free Wednesday night speaker series on outdoor topics. Future sessions include a fishing talk called “Streamside Strategies,” with Angus Boezeman, on April 14; and “Canoe and Kayak the Northern Trail” on April 28. All the talks are at 7 p.m. at the Fish and Game Department. Pre-registration is required. Reserve your space by calling 603-271-6355.

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.

“Navigating in the Outdoors” – May 1 workshop in Holderness

REGISTRATION OPENS FOR BOW “NAVIGATING IN THE OUTDOORS” WORKSHOP – A “BEYOND BECOMING AN OUTDOORS-WOMAN” CLASS – MAY 1 IN HOLDERNESS, N.H.

Learn how to find your way in the wilderness at a one-day “Beyond BOW” Navigating in the Outdoors Workshop on Saturday, May 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Owl Brook Hunter Education Center in Holderness, N.H. Participants will learn how to use a compass, read a topographical map and use them together to find their way in the woods. The workshop will also provide an introduction to a simple hand-held GPS unit. The session will be led by Lorri and Al Menard and Randy Curtis, who are Hunter Education and BOW Map & Compass instructors.

A brochure and mail-in registration form are now available at http://www.nhbow.com. The cost of the class is $15, which includes continental breakfast, lunch and use of equipment. Participation is first-come, first-served, so sign up right away if you’re interested. Women must be 18 years of age or older to take part. Applications will be accepted starting March 29.

“Beyond BOW” courses expand the offerings of the traditional Becoming an Outdoors-Woman fall and winter workshops. These in-depth courses are designed to give women the skills to do the outdoor activity on their own. It also gives participants a chance to network with other like-minded women with whom to share these activities.

Watch for notices in the coming weeks about other “Beyond BOW” programs, including a Deep Sea Fishing day trip.

New Hampshire’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman programs are co-sponsored by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (http://www.WildNH.com) and the New Hampshire Wildlife Federation (http://www.nhwf.org).

Opening Day for Landlocked Salmon/Lake Trout Fishing April 1

CONCORD, N.H. — Enthusiastic anglers will be out in force on April 1 for the start of the open-water fishing season on landlocked salmon/lake trout-managed lakes — the true start of spring for many New Hampshire anglers.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department manages 15 lakes for landlocked salmon: Big Dan Hole Pond, First and Second Connecticut Lakes, Conway Lake, Lake Francis, Merrymeeting Lake, Newfound Lake, Ossipee Lake, Big and Little Squam Lakes, Sunapee Lake, Lake Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam Lake, and Nubanusit Lake. (Pleasant Lake in New London also is managed for landlocked salmon, but is classified as a trout pond, with a 2010 opening date of April 24.)

For a table providing a brief summary of netting results in three salmon lakes, visit the online version of this release at http://www.fishnh.com/Newsroom/News_2010/News_2010_Q1/big_lakes_opener_032510.html.

In 2010, spring anglers will be treated to something very odd for N.H., ice-out has occurred already on Lake Winnipesaukee (March 24), and most other central N.H. lakes will be mostly clear of ice for the April 1 opener! Thanks to recent rains, the flows in the Winnipesaukee watershed (Winnipesaukee Lake, and the Winnipesaukee River, which flows through Opechee, Winnisquam and Silver lakes) will tend to attract fish to high flow areas; angling for “drop-down” salmon (and rainbow trout) in the vicinity of the dams will be hot once again this season, with time-honored locations such as Lakeport Dam/Opechee Lake, the Winnipesaukee River through Laconia to Dixon Point at Lake Winnisquam, and Lochmere Dam at Silver Lake producing fish on the opener. Don’t forget, N.H. Fish and Game’s new boat access facility on the Winnipesaukee River in downtown Laconia, offering great access to Winnisquam Lake and some terrific rainbow and lake trout fishing.

Additionally, several popular Winnipesaukee shore fishing locations exist at the Merrymeeting River (fly-fishing-only, barbless, catch and release), and the mouth of the Merrymeeting River as it enters Alton Bay, downstream of the famous stone arch bridge. Other good sites to visit include the Weirs Channel in Laconia, Long Island Bridge in Moultonborough, Governors Island Bridge in Gilford, Smith River inlet at Wolfeboro Bay, and Meredith and Center Harbor town docks. At these locations, everything from smelt, shiners and worms under a slip bobber to small jigs will take salmon, as well as rainbows. The Newfound River/Bristol (fly-fishing-only) may have salmon and rainbows that have overwintered in its many pools and runs.

Because of the early ice-out, anglers need to be aware of changing weather conditions, as winds can increase quickly over large stretches of open water. Early spring ice-out salmon are successfully caught by trolling with everything from spoons (such as DB Smelt, Sutton, Mooselook, Top Gun, and Smelt Gun) to traditional streamer flies (for example, Maynard’s Marvel, Pumpkinhead, Mickey Finn, Joe’s Smelt, and the countless Grey Ghost variations), and an early season favorite, live smelt or shiners. Most early season fish are caught from the surface to about 15 feet down, with everything from planer board set-ups to the simplest of monofilament flat lines 50-150 feet behind the boat. When the wind kicks in, drifting live smelt or shiners in the waves can be highly effective.

Although it can be challenging to “pattern” lake fish at this time of year, finding warmer water (even a degree or two), windy shorelines, inside turns and bays, shallow flats near deeper water, tributary inlets and, of course, smelt schools (shallow this time of year, as they are running shorelines and tributaries to spawn) are all keys to improving success. A previously unsuccessful effort can provide several fish in less than an hour, once you find them and offer a convincing presentation.

To ensure the future of high-quality landlocked salmon fisheries, anglers must take extra care when releasing salmon, as the percentage of hook-wounded fish continues to climb in all lakes (as shown in our netting survey results). Hook wounded/scarred fish are significantly shorter and poorer in body condition than non-hook-wounded counterparts of the same age. Using rubber nets and proper release techniques (for example, don’t “shake” fish off the hook) — and releasing lightly hooked healthy salmon, while choosing to harvest previously hook-wounded fish – are some ways to minimize the negative effects of hook wounding, thereby increasing the number of trophy salmon available in the future.

Purchase your fishing license online at http://www.fishnh.com, or from any Fish and Game license agent. Annual resident fishing licenses are $35. Resident one-day licenses are just $10. Annual nonresident fishing licenses are $53. One-, three- and seven-day nonresident licenses are also available. You’ll soon know why so many anglers eagerly await this annual rite of spring.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state’s marine, fish and wildlife resources and their habitats. Reel in lots more information on fishing in New Hampshire, from depth maps to tackle tips — and download the 2010 N.H. Freshwater Fishing Digest — at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/fishing.htm.

Beginning Fly-Fishing Class Offered in Hancock, N.H., May 15-16

CONCORD, N.H. – Learn how to fly fish this spring! Join the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s “Let’s Go Fishing” Program and the Harris Center for Conservation Education for a free workshop offering you the chance to learn about the exciting sport of fly-fishing. “Fly-Fishing A-Z” will be held on Saturday, May 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Harris Center in Hancock, N.H.

To sign up for this class, you must print out and return a registration form, which can be found on the Fish and Game website at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/lets_go_fishing_class_schedule.htm or the Harris Center website at http://www.harriscenter.org/Programs/programs.htm. Registration forms can also be obtained by contacting Lisa Collins at (603) 271-3212 or aquatic-ed@wildlife.nh.gov.

The class is open to anyone age 13 and over, however those 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Class space is limited, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications must be received by April 30 to reserve your spot in the workshop.

Designed primarily for first-time fly-anglers, the workshop will cover the basics of equipment, fly casting, stream ecology, knot tying, safety and how to find those “hot spots” along New Hampshire’s rivers and lakes. The highlight of the two days will be Sunday, when participants will pull on waders and head out to a local fishing hole to put their newly learned skills to the test! Participants should plan to bring their own or borrowed equipment. A limited number of rods will be available for use; when you register, please let Fish and Game know if you will need to borrow equipment.

Once you have completed the course, you’ll be ready to plan your summer in line with the philosophy of Chuck Clark, who said, “Three-fourths of the Earth’s surface is water, and one-fourth is land. It is quite clear that the good Lord intended us to spend triple the amount of time fishing as taking care of the lawn.”

Over the past ten years, the Fish and Game Department’s “Let’s Go Fishing” program has taught thousands of children and adults to be safe, ethical and successful anglers. 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.

NH Wildlife Action Plan Maps: New Maps and GIS Data for 2010

CONCORD, NH – The N.H. Wildlife Action Plan maps, which depict the location of habitat types and ecological condition of habitats for the state, have been revised, and new maps and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data are now available for the towns, groups and individuals that use them for research and planning.

The updates to the Wildlife Action Plan maps and underlying GIS data incorporate newer biological data into the analysis of ecological conditions. The most significant changes to the maps are that forests are analyzed in smaller sections, making for more detailed and accurate information; and three more years of rare wildlife, plant and natural community data have been incorporated. The development and distribution of the maps, first released in 2006, is a high priority of the New Hampshire Wildlife Action Plan, which serves as a “blueprint” for wildlife and habitat conservation in the state.

Emily Brunkhurst, a biologist with N.H. Fish and Game’s Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program, encourages people to go ahead and start using the new maps and data, which are available through the NH GRANIT system, developed by UNH’s Complex Systems Research Center (http://www.granit.unh.edu). “The new Wildlife Action Plan maps are more detailed and up-to-date, and they remain important to getting people started on conservation in their communities,” Brunkhurst said. For non-GIS users, the data will be integrated into the GRANIT data mapper, a free online mapping program, some time in April.

In the Wildlife Action Plan maps and data, habitats have been analyzed and ranked using ecological, biological, landscape and human impact factors. The habitat maps depict 16 types of wildlife habitat in New Hampshire; these include Appalachian oak pine forest in the south, high elevation spruce forests in the northern mountains, grasslands, marshes, cliffs, coastal islands, alpine habitat and everything in between.

Towns have been using the Wildlife Action Plan maps in their planning, incorporating them into natural resource inventories, conservation plans and master plans that help to identify and conserve important natural resources including water, soils and wildlife. Land trusts and nonprofit groups are using the Wildlife Action Plan maps as tools to evaluate potential conservation parcels and target important places to protect. “Since the original release of the Wildlife Action Plan, we have utilized this state-of-the-art habitat data in a series of important strategic conservation planning efforts,” said Dan Sundquist of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. “The new 2010 release represents even more sophisticated science, and we look forward to working with this improved data to help guide future land conservation projects in New Hampshire.”

N.H. Fish and Game and UNH Cooperative Extension will be offering workshops across the state in the next few months to discuss the updates and how these maps can be used in conservation planning. See the Fish and Game website at http://www.wildnh.com for details.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state’s fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. Its Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program is the steward for the more than 400 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians that are not hunted, fished or trapped. Visit http://www.wildnh.com/nongame.

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