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Maine Audubon Centers & Sanctuaries Job, Internship & Volunteer Opportunities
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Brook Trout Anglers Wanted to Survey Remote Ponds
FALMOUTH, MAINE, June 7, 2011 — Maine Audubon, along with partners Trout Unlimited and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW), is seeking volunteers to identify previously-undocumented wild brook trout populations in remote Maine ponds. Anglers can choose one or more of 187 ponds in western Maine to find and fish. “There are no records of past stocking in any these ponds, so any brook trout found in them are native, wild fish,” said Jeff Reardon of Trout Unlimited. “Our goal is to collect information to help inform future management. Maine brook trout are a special resource, and we need to know where they are before we can protect and manage them appropriately.” The project’s focus on remote ponds offers anglers a chance to explore new places while advancing trout conservation efforts. “None of these ponds have been surveyed by Maine fisheries biologists,” said Joe Dembeck, Fisheries Management Supervisor for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. “It would take thousands of hours over many years for MDIFW personnel to survey all of the waters on the list. Ponds where volunteers catch brook trout, or collect other information that suggests brook trout are present, will become priority waters for formal survey efforts by MDIFW staff in future years.” The state of Maine contains 97% of all the wild or native brook trout ponds remaining in the entire country, and has been designated as the last true stronghold for wild brook trout in the eastern U.S. Brook trout are symbolic of healthy ponds that provide habitat for other wildlife as well, including large aquatic insects, smaller fish, and fish-eating birds like kingfishers and osprey. “Maine Audubon is excited about working with anglers on this project. Our staff has tremendous experience working with volunteers and MDIFW on wildlife surveys, such as common loons, owls, frogs and toads,” said Sally Stockwell, Director of Conservation. “We want to take the same approach for brook trout ponds.” Maine Audubon and its partners will provide maps, photos, data sheets, and instructions for how to survey each pond. Volunteers should be enthusiastic about fishing for brook trout, be comfortable in remote settings, and have a sense of adventure. Surveys can be done any time before September 30, but preferably in June and July. Emily Bastian, an avid brook trout angler and outdoorswoman, will be coordinating the surveys and assisting volunteers as needed. Please contact Emily at Maine Audubon at 207-781-6180 x207, or ebastian@maineaudubon.org, for more information or to sign up to volunteer. Additional information is also available at http://tumaine.org/brooktrout.htm.
Maine Audubon works to conserve Maine's wildlife and wildlife habitat by engaging people of all ages in education, conservation, and action. With a 160-year history, Maine Audubon today is affiliated with Audubon’s national organization and has seven local chapters in the state. Support for Maine Audubon comes from 11,000 member households and donors, including individuals, foundations and corporations.
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