Monthly Archives: July 2016
Should fish be killed, just to prove they were there?
Bob Mallard recently had a letter published in my local newspaper that challenged the process of killing fish just to prove they are there. Over the years I challenged the use of gill nets by fisheries biologists, because all the fish that are caught in the nets are killed. I am pleased to report that […]
This Maine farmer tells us how to improve wildlife habitat on our own land
A subtitle on John Twomey’s interesting and informative book, Retiring To, Not From, reports that it includes, “Intimate details of life on a remote farm in Maine.” And that is certainly true. The level of detail about farming will be of interest to anyone who grows vegetables and fruit, but what intrigued me was John’s […]
Invasive fish and poor water quality challenge central Maine fisheries biologists
“Central Maine is the invasive species headquarters for the state.” That’s the sobering conclusion of DIF&W Fisheries Biologist Jason Seiders, one of the three biologists in Region B which includes 4000 square miles, 370 lakes and ponds, and 3500 miles of flowing water in central Maine. Yes, these folks are busy! But not too busy […]
Brook trout specialist tells it like it is
“Our instream habitat around the state is the pits.” Those were the words of Merry Gallagher, brook trout specialist and fisheries research biologist for Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, explaining that, in the days of floating logs down our brooks and streams, those waters were straightened out by bulldozers and dynamite, and a […]
Can you come up with 100 words for Acadia National Park?
Here’s a great chance to do a bit of writing and win some money. It won’t work for me, because I can’t write anything in just 100 words! But I’ll bet you can. To celebrate Acadia National Park’s centennial year, they’re sponsoring a writing contest, 100 Words For Acadia, open to everyone. All you have […]
Drones offer amazing views of Maine
Wildlife Director Judy Camuso gets caught in the Wildfire
Judy Camuso is the only member of the staff at Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries that Commissioner Chandler Woodcock will allow to appear on our TV talk show Wildfire. Thankfully, Judy is an exceptional leader able to discuss any and all issues. I think you’ll agree with me when you watch the next episode of […]
Sixty seven pages of fishing rule changes are proposed
DIF&W is proposing sixty seven pages of fishing rule changes that, if adopted, will take effect in 2017. All of the rule changes are available on the agency’s website, and public hearings on the proposals will be held in July and August. The changes impact both ice and open water fishing, and some are designed […]
Everything you want to know about vernal pools and estuaries – in wonderful childrens’ books
The Secret Pool and The Secret Bay by Kimberly Ridley are cleverly written and beautifully illustrated books, with poetic stories that appeal to younger kids, factual sidebars for older kids, and additional information that is both interesting and informative. The Secret Pool, which won many awards, was published by Tilbury House in Thomaston in 2013. […]