Massachusetts Fishing News

As part of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) forest re-certification efforts, a summary of the public comments received and the agency’s responses to those comments have been posted on the agency’s website at www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/habitat/management/bdi/forest_mgt/response_public_comment.htm.

Anglers of all ages are invited to attend the Division’s Freshwater Sportfishing Awards ceremony honoring the 2009 Angler of the Year and the 2009 Gold Pin Winners. The ceremony takes place at the Eastern Fishing and Outdoor Exposition February 13, 2010 at 4:00 PM at the DCU Centre in Worcester where Massachusetts Fish and Game Commissioner Mary Griffin will join with Division Director Wayne MacCallum and other Division staff to present the annual Freshwater Sportfishing Awards. For over 40 years MassWildlife has sponsored the Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program designed to recognize anglers who have caught exceptional freshwater fish from waterbodies which are open to the public. Bronze pins are sent to anglers who catch fish meeting certain minimum weight requirements for 22 types of fish. Gold pins and a plaque are awarded at the Freshwater Sportfishing Awards ceremony to adult and youth anglers catching the largest fish in 22 species categories. 2009 Gold Pin Award winners are posted at: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/fishing/awards/2009_sportfish_winners.htm.

The Division of Marine Fisheries is alerting saltwater anglers to new saltwater fishing registration requirements that are occurring in 2010 and 2011. A new federal law that took effect January 1, 2010 requires most Massachusetts recreational saltwater fishermen 16 years old and older to register with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) either online via www.countmyfish.noaa.gov or by calling (888) MRIP-411 [(888) 674-7411]. There is no fee for federal registration in 2010. People fishing on saltwater charter or head-boats will not be required to register. Private boat or family registrations are not available. This year, non-residents planning saltwater fishing trips in Massachusetts must possess a saltwater fishing permit from any state or from the federal saltwater registration system.

Recently, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles announced the purchase of 245 acres of land on Red Brook in Wareham and Plymouth that will protect one of the most diverse fish and wildlife habitats in the Commonwealth. The Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) acquired the land, known as Century Bog, from A.D. Makepeace Company for $3 million. The acquisition – through conservation and ongoing ecological restoration – will protect the Red Brook watershed and protect habitat for 11 rare species, several kinds of fish and other wildlife.

As part of DCR’s Forest Futures Visioning Process, a Technical Steering Committee (TSC) has met over a period of ten months to arrive at a draft version of recommendations that they will make to DCR on forest stewardship. Both the TSC and DCR encourage interested stakeholders to review the recommendations and provide comment. The public comment period closes on February 22. The TSC draft recommendations are located on the DCR website at http://dcr.env.govt.state.ma.us:81/news/publicmeetings/tsc_draft_recommendations.htm.

CONCORD, N.H. -- Wayne W. Armstrong, 60, of Tyngsborough, Mass., was killed last night (January 4, 2010) when the snowmobile he was operating crashed into several trees off Indian Stream Road in the town of Pittsburg, N.H.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation invites interested sportsmen and women, foresters, land trust and watershed association members and other conservationists to participate in their Forest Futures Visioning Process at a two-part public forum in Leominster on Tuesday, June 23, 2009, from 4 – 8 p.m. The first part of the forum will be a Walk-in-the-Woods at Leominster State Forest off Rte 31 in Leominster, the second part of the form will be held at the Doyle Conservation Center on Abbot Avenue in Leominster.

WHAT: Mid-Winter Bald Eagle Survey

WHEN: Friday, January 9, 2009, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

WHERE: STATEWIDE – Wildlife staff will be available in the field for media and interested birdwatchers in several locations. See “Contacts Information” below to find out where staff will be and when. The best areas for eagle viewing are listed below.

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) is participating in a number of outdoor oriented shows in January and February. At most of these venues, licenses will be sold and sporting information and wildlife recreation opportunities will be made available to show attendees. This is a great opportunity for families, youth groups and other outdoor oriented people to meet agency staff and pick up some of the latest outdoor and sporting information.

Winter has made its appearance in Massachusetts, but the variable temperatures that have been experienced in the state so far this season mean the condition of ice on the Bay State's water bodies is unpredictable and could be treacherous. There have already been several instances in the state where people have fallen through the ice. The Division of Fisheries & Wildlife urges outdoor enthusiasts to play it safe and check ice carefully before venturing onto ice-covered waters. Foot traffic on a layer of 4” ice is a good safe thickness. An ice strength table is posted on the agency website at: www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/ice_safety.htm.