NEWS & NOTES—Quabbin Hunt Deadline, New WMA Maps On Line, Continue to Help Count Swans, Upcoming Meetings, Calendar of Events

Quabbin Hunt Deadline —Deer hunters who want to take part in the controlled deer hunt at Quabbin are reminded that the deadline for applications is August 16. Applications are available at all MassWildlife District Offices, Quabbin Visitor's Center and on-line at the front page of the MassWildlife website www.mass.gov/masswildlife. This year, hunting areas in New Salem, Prescott, Hardwick and Petersham will be open for the controlled hunt. For further information call the Quabbin Visitor's Center in Belchertown at 413/323-7221.

New WMA Maps On Line—Hunters, anglers, birders and other wildlife recreation enthusiasts can enjoy a new version of many MassWildlife’s Wildlife Management Area maps.  The new look consists of WMA boundaries drawn over a color topographic map with a map locator inset to orient the map user. A brief write up on a second page provides information on the terrain, habitats, wildlife and any special regulations that apply to each WMA.  Some maps may not have this information, in which case the appropriate District Office can supply the necessary information.  To find the WMA maps, go to the Outdoor Recreation area at www.mass.gov/masswildlife; click on Wildlife Lands and then the WMA Maps link. Only WMA maps labelled "New" are in the new format. Be aware that the new maps may take longer to download due to their size.  Across the Commonwealth, MassWildlife owns and/or manages approximately 155,000 acres of WMA’s which are open to hunting, fishing, wildlife watching and other passive wildlife related recreation. These lands are essential to the agency’s effort to protect the biodiversity of the Commonwealth and the health of our environment. Funding for acquiring wildlife habitat is derived primarily from open space bond funds and the mandatory purchase of a $5 Wildlands Stamp by each fishing, hunting and trapping license buyer.

Continue to Help Count Swans—August 14 is the last date interested conservationists may report locations and numbers of mute swans to MassWildlife. MassWildlife staff is conducting a survey (count) of mute swan populations in Massachusetts. The survey  is conducted every three years. Mute swans are an exotic species and have become more numerous throughout the state.  These birds are easiest to count during the dates mentioned because they moult (lose flight feathers) and are unable to fly. Swans may be found in many locations: ponds, wetlands, beaches, golf courses, cemetaries, condominium developments, back yards, and municipal parks. If you know where any mute swans are located, contact Mass.Wildlife@state.ma.us or call Trina Moruzzi at 508/792-7270 x119 to provide the following information: Best address of location (or directions), or body of water where the birds are located, and number of adults and cygnets (young  swans). 

Upcoming Meetings—The Fisheries & Wildlife Board will be meeting on August 25 at 1PM at the UMass Cranberry Station, 1 State Bog Road, East Wareham. Part of the agenda will include a vote on regulations pertaining to the Youth Pheasant Hunt program and to the black bear seasons and methods of take. Proposed regulations are posted on the MassWildlife website in the Calendar of Events/Public Notices area. An informational meeting and a public hearing is also scheduled for the same location later in the day:  

At 3PM, a Public Information Meeting regarding the Massachusetts Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy will be held.  The latest draft incorporating public comments from earlier in the summer will be posted at www.mass.gov/masswildlife  on August 9.

At 7PM in the same location, a Public Hearing will held to establish rules and regulations relative to the 2005-2006 migratory game bird seasons and methods of take.

Public comment is sought for both the informational meeting and the public hearing.  The Fisheries and Wildlife Board will vote on the migratory game bird season immediately following the public hearing.

The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee will not meet in August. The Committee’s next scheduled meeting will be September 8 at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd (off North Drive) Westborough from 1:30-4:30.

Calendar of Events—Check www.mass.gov/masswildlife  for weekly updates to the MassWildlife Calendar

August 4-- Living With Coyotes and Foxes in Massachusetts, Duxbury -- Join Jason Zimmer, MassWildlife Southeast District Supervisor, who will talk about coyotes and foxes who are probably living in your neighborhood. Information about their habits, ways to prevent conflicts and other useful information will be part of his presentation. This is a free presentation at Duxbury Beach from 9:30AM - 11:30 AM sponsored by both the South Shore MassAudubon Sanctuaries and the Duxbury Beach Reservation. For more information, call MassAudubon at 781/837-9400.

August 6--Saltwater Fishing Clinic, Georges Island, Boston -- This special event is designed to introduce curious or beginning anglers of all ages who have an interest in learning about saltwater fishing. Cast a line, learn about fish in the Boston Harbor, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. No equipment is needed, but if you have your own, bring it along! 10AM - 4PM. The clinic is presented in cooperation with the Boston Harbor Islands Community Program. For more information contact Larissa Fawkner at 617-223-8636 or Jim Lagacy at 508/792-7270 x109

August 12--Black Bears in Massachusetts, Goshen -- Join Jim Cardoza, MassWildlife's Bear Project Leader, as he explains the life history of black bears and the work MassWildlife has accomplished with this very interesting animal. You'll also get information on ways to deal with bears residing in your home and campground that keeps bears wary of people. The presentation will be held at the D.A.R. State Park in the wheelchair accessible Nature Center at 7 PM in Goshen. A $2 parking fee will be charged to enter the park. For more information call the park at: 413/268-7098.

August 13--Harold Parker State Forest Family Fishing Festival, Andover -- This festival is designed to introduce curious or beginning anglers of all ages who have an interest in learning about fishing. Cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. Some equipment is available for loan, but if you have your own, bring it along! 9AM - 1PM The festival is in cooperation with the the Department of Conservation and Recreation's Harold Parker State Forest. For more information contact the State Park at 978/686-3391.

August 19--Black Bears in the Connecticut River Valley -- Join Dave Fuller, MassWildlife Biologist in the Valley District Office, as he explains the life history of black bears and the work MassWildlife has accomplished with this very interesting animal. You'll also get information on ways to deal with bears residing in your home and campground that keeps bears wary of people. The presentation will be held at the Notch  in the wheelchair accessible Nature Center at 7 – 8:30 PM in Amherst. For more information call the park at: 413/253-2883.

August 20--Moths of the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge, Harvard -- Explore the refuge in the evening hours with Mike Nelson, MassWildlife Invertebrate Ecologist. He'll be using a black light to attract and capture these ephemeral creatures. Over 185 species of moths have been found in one refuge trip in the past! The program will run from 8:30 PM top 10:30 PM. Please bring a flashlight and inspect repellant, and wear sturdy shoes. Pre-registration is required and spaces are limited for this nighttime adventure.  For more information, directions and pre-registration for the trip, contact Rona Balco at 978/779-2259.