U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge Hunting Plan April 2021

Credit: USFWS File Photo

Estimated Lead Agency Total Costs Appendix A – Compatibility Determination Associated with Developing and Appendix B – Environmental Assessment Producing the EA (per ERM 10-12): $5,892 Appendix C – Intra-Service Section 7 Analysis Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge Hunting Plan

April 2021

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Northern Maine National Wildlife Refuge Complex 103 Headquarters Rd., Suite 1 Baring, ME 04694

Submitted By: Project Leader

______Signature Date

Concurrence: Refuge Supervisor

______Signature Date

Approved: Regional Chief National Wildlife Refuge System

______Signature Date Table of Contents I. Introduction ...... 1 II. Statement Of Objectives ...... 3 III. Description Of Hunting Program ...... 4 A. Areas To Be Opened To Hunting ...... 4 B. Species To Be Taken, Hunting Periods, Hunting Access: ...... 5 C. Hunter Permit Requirements: ...... 5 D. Consultation And Coordination With The State ...... 6 E. Law Enforcement ...... 6 F. Funding And Staffing Requirements ...... 6 IV. Conduct Of The Hunting Program ...... 7 A. Hunter Permit Application, Selection, And/Or Registration Procedures ...... 7 B. Refuge-Specific Hunting Regulations ...... 7 C. Relevant State Regulations...... 8 D. Other Refuge Rules And Regulations For Hunting ...... 8 V. Public Engagement ...... 8 A. Outreach For Announcing And Publicizing The Hunting Program ...... 8 B. Anticipated Public Reaction To The Hunting Program ...... 9 C. How Hunters Will Be Informed Of Relevant Rules And Regulations ...... 9 VI. Compatibility Determination ...... 9

List of Tables

Table 1. Hunting Opportunities on the three divisions of Sunkhaze Meadows NWR…...... 4 Table 2. Estimated Annual Costs of the Hunting Program……….……………...... 7

List of Attachments

Attachment 1: Sunkhaze Meadows NWR, Sandy Stream Division……………………………10 Attachment 2: Sunkhaze Meadows NWR, Benton Division…………………………………...11 Attachment 3: Sunkhaze Meadows NWR, Milford Division…………………………………..12 SUNKHAZE MEADOWS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE HUNTING PLAN

I. Introduction

National wildlife refuges are guided by the mission and goals of the National Wildlife Refuge System (Refuge System), the purposes of an individual refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) policy, and laws and international treaties. Relevant guidance includes the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act (NWRSAA) of 1966, as amended by the Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Refuge Recreation Act of 1962, and selected portions of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and Fish and Wildlife Service Manual (FWS).

Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge (NWR, refuge) consists of three divisions as well as the Carlton Pond Waterfowl Production Area (WPA). The three divisions are the Milford Division (11,558 acres) in Milford, ME, the Benton Division (334 acres) in Benton, ME, and the Sandy Stream Division (54 acres) in Unity, ME. This Hunting Plan covers all three divisions of the refuge.

The 1,068-acre Carlton Pond WPA is open to hunting under State regulations by statute 50 CFR 32.1. Sunkhaze Meadows NWR is part of the Northern Maine NWR Complex (NWRC, Complex), which is managed by staff at the Moosehorn NWR in Calais, ME.

Sunkhaze Meadows NWR was established on November 22, 1988, pursuant to the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 742a-742j; 70 Stat. 1119) and the Refuge Recreation Act of 1962 (16 U.S.C. 460k-460k-4; 76 Stat. 653).

The primary purposes of the refuge are:

“... for the development, advancement, management, conservation, and protection of fish and wildlife resources ... for the benefit of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, in performing it activities and services....” 16 U.S.C. 742f(b)(1) (Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956);

“... (1) incidental fish and wildlife-oriented recreational development, (2) the protection of natural resources, (3) the conservation of endangered species or threatened species ...” 16 U.S.C. 460k-1 (Refuge Recreation Act).

The Service stated in its Final Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Proposal to Establish Sunkhaze Meadows NWR that the refuge was acquired to insure its ecological integrity and the continued availability of its wetland, stream, forest, and wildlife resources to the citizens of the United States, especially to those residents of Milford and the State of Maine.

Prior to a Farmers Home Administration foreclosure in 1991, the Benton Division was an operating dairy farm. After the foreclosure, the Service acquired the parcel due to the presence of the sedge wren, a Maine endangered species. The Sandy Stream tract was acquired with the Benton Division; it is primarily an old pasture with a variety of shrub species. It borders on Sandy

Sunkhaze Meadows NWR Hunting Plan 1 Stream, which provides habitat to several rare species of mussels and wood turtles. (USFWS 1990a). These properties were transferred “...for conservation purposes...” (7 U.S.C. 2002 (Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act)).

The Service proposes to expand hunting opportunities at Sunkhaze Meadows NWR to better align with State programs. We intend the following summary of changes as part of the update to this Hunting Plan:

1. Species changes: No changes.

2. Huntable acreage: Officially open 2,608 acres to hunting.

3. Method of take changes: No changes.

Seasons: Adjust hunting seasons to partially align with State’s small game and black bear seasons, which may change slightly from year to year. Red squirrel, woodchuck, and coyote hunting will continue to be limited to October 1 through March 31 annually on the refuge. The mission of the Refuge System, as outlined by the NWRSAA, as amended by the Refuge System Improvement Act (16 U.S.C. 668dd et seq.), is:

“... to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.”

The NWRSAA mandates the Secretary of the Interior in administering the Refuge System to (16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)(4):

• Provide for the conservation of fish, wildlife, and plants, and their habitats within the Refuge System;

• Ensure that the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of the Refuge System are maintained for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans;

• Ensure that the mission of the Refuge System described at 16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)(2) and the purposes of each refuge are carried out;

• Ensure effective coordination, interaction, and cooperation with owners of land adjoining refuges and the fish and wildlife agency of the States in which the units of the Refuge System are located;

• Assist in the maintenance of adequate water quantity and water quality to fulfill the mission of the Refuge System and the purposes of each refuge;

Sunkhaze Meadows NWR Hunting Plan 2 • Recognize compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses as the priority general public uses of the Refuge System through which the American public can develop an appreciation for fish and wildlife;

• Ensure that opportunities are provided within the Refuge System for compatible wildlife- dependent recreational uses; and

• Monitor the status and trends of fish, wildlife, and plants in each refuge.

Therefore, it is a priority of the Service to provide for wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities, including hunting and fishing, when those opportunities are compatible with the purposes for which the refuge was established and the mission of the Refuge System.

Sunkhaze Meadows NWR has been open to public hunting of big game, upland game, and migratory game birds, for all Service-owned lands within the refuge boundary, since 1990 (USFWS 1990). Prior to being established as a refuge in 1988, the lands and waters of Sunkhaze Meadows had traditionally been used by the public for fishing, hunting, and trapping for many years. In February 1990, the entire refuge was officially opened to public hunting when the original Hunt Plan, Compatibility Determination (CD), EA, and Environmental Action Memorandum were approved. A memorandum dated November 24, 1999, from the Deputy Refuge Manager clarified that all lands under jurisdiction of the refuge would be open to hunting.

II. Statement of Objectives

The objectives of a hunting program on Sunkhaze Meadows NWR are to:

1. Provide the public with a high quality recreational experience on refuge lands/waters and increase opportunities and access for hunters. The Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 identified hunting, where compatible, as one of the six priority public uses on refuges;

2. Design a hunting program that is administratively efficient and manageable with existing staffing levels and in alignment with Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) regulations when possible;

3. Implement a hunting program that is safe for all refuge users; and

4. Design a hunting program that aligns with refuge habitat management objectives.

Hunting is consistent with the goals outlined in the refuge’s Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP), specifically:

“Annually, allow access for hunting of big game, upland game, and migratory game birds in accordance with State and refuge regulations and consistent with sound biological principles to create opportunities for connecting visitors with nature by providing

Sunkhaze Meadows NWR Hunting Plan 3 participants with reasonable harvest opportunities, uncrowded conditions, and minimal conflicts with other users” (USFWS 2005).

Hunting on Sunkhaze Meadows NWR:

• Provides the public with recreational opportunities to experience wildlife on more refuge lands and increases opportunities for hunters/anglers, especially for youth/families/etc.;

• Preserves the biological diversity by preserving the natural diversity and variety of biotic communities occurring on refuge lands; and

• Provides wildlife-dependent public recreation as mandated by and according to Service law and policy.

III. Description of Hunting Program

A. Areas to be Opened to Hunting Since the last approved Hunt Plan, 2,608 acres have been added to Sunkhaze Meadows NWR. The Benton Division and Sandy Stream Division were transferred or acquired to the Service in 1992. In the Milford Division, 2,220 acres were added, bringing the total acreage of the division to 11,558. Per the Deputy Refuge Manager’s 1999 memorandum, all refuge land is open to hunting.

All areas of the refuge would continue to be open to the public for hunting during State of Maine seasons. Visitors participating in approved public uses are allowed off-trail; however, off-trail use is limited to pedestrian access only (e.g., walking, snowshoeing, skiing). Signage at parking areas mentions that hunting is allowed and reminds visitors to wear blaze orange during appropriate time periods. Should visitor conflicts increase significantly, the refuge may consider zoning for different uses or area closures.

Table 1. Hunting Opportunities on the three divisions of Sunkhaze Meadows NWR

Milford Milford (new) Benton Sandy Stream

Acreage 9,064 2,220 334 54 Big Game White-tailed deer C N N N Moose C N Closed* Closed* Black bear C N N N Bobcat C N N N Raccoon C N N N Wild turkey C N N N Small Game Ruffed grouse C N N N Red squirrel, porcupine, and C N N N

Sunkhaze Meadows NWR Hunting Plan 4 Milford Milford (new) Benton Sandy Stream

woodchuck Gray squirrel and skunk C N N N Snowshoe hare and fox C N N N Coyote C N N N Upland and Migratory Game Birds Migratory game birds C N N N Waterfowl C N N N Crow Closed C = Currently Opened, N= New Opportunity * No moose permits are issued by MDIFW for WMD 23, which includes the Benton and Sandy Stream Divisions.

B. Species to be Taken, Hunting Periods, Hunting Access Hunting seasons for big game (moose, white-tailed deer, black bear, bobcat, and wild turkey), small game (ruffed grouse, snowshoe hare, red fox, gray and red squirrel, raccoon, skunk, woodchuck, and Eastern coyote), upland and migratory game birds (American woodcock, rail, and Wilson’s snipe), and waterfowl (duck and goose) would be in accordance with the State of Maine with the exception of red squirrel, woodchuck, and coyote. There are no closed seasons for these species in Maine, but they may only be hunted from October 1 through March 31 annually on the refuge. Night hunting for Eastern coyotes is permitted from the beginning of the season in December through March 31.

These restrictions were implemented to minimize conflict with other priority public uses, minimize disturbance to priority wildlife species nesting on the refuge, and to maintain a safe environment for refuge staff. Hunters must use and possess only non-toxic ammunition while hunting migratory game birds and small game (ruffed grouse, snowshoe hare, red fox, gray and red squirrel, skunk, and woodchuck).

Migratory bird hunting: Hunting of duck, geese, American woodcock, rail, and Wilson’s snipe is permitted on designated areas of the refuge.

Upland game hunting: The hunting of ruffed grouse, snowshoe hare, red fox, gray and red squirrel, skunk, woodchuck, and Eastern coyote is permitted on designated areas of the refuge.

Big game hunting: The hunting of moose, white-tailed deer, black bear, bobcat, raccoon, and wild turkey is permitted on designated areas of the refuge.

The refuge will make a reasonable effort to allow hunters access to all areas of the refuge open to hunting. The intention is to provide safe, quality hunting opportunities that consider the welfare of the refuge wildlife resources.

C. Hunter Permit Requirements All persons hunting on the refuge will be required to obtain the necessary State licenses, permits, and State and Federal duck stamps. In addition, hunters intending to hunt migratory game birds

Sunkhaze Meadows NWR Hunting Plan 5 or waterfowl must have indicated on their license their intent to harvest these species. This information is compiled by the Service’s Harvest Information Program and is used by the Service and our State partners to manage these migratory game bird populations.

D. Consultation and Coordination with the State National wildlife refuges, including Sunkhaze Meadows NWR, conduct hunting programs within the framework of State and Federal regulations. The refuge has moved forward with developing this hunting plan based upon earlier formal coordination with the MDIFW as well as the intervening informal discussions.

In developing this plan, we reviewed hunting regulations for the State of Maine to find consistency where possible. On August 20, 2020, refuge leadership and refuge staff met with James Connolly, Kelsey Sullivan, and Steve Dunham from MDIFW to discuss proposed changes to Northern Maine NWR Complex hunting plans.

Refuge staff will continue to consult and coordinate with MDIFW to maintain consistent regulations and programs, monitor populations of proposed hunt species, and set harvest goals. We will work together to ensure safe and enjoyable recreational hunting opportunities with law enforcement officers from both agencies working together to conduct patrols, safeguard hunters and visitors, and protect both game and non-game species. The Environmental Assessment (EA) (Appendix B) associated with this Hunting Plan has been coordinated with MDIFW.

E. Law Enforcement Enforcement of refuge regulations on a national wildlife refuge is the responsibility of commissioned Federal Wildlife Officers (FWO). Other officers, Special Agents, State game wardens, and the local Sheriff’s Department may assist the full time FWO stationed at Maine Coastal Islands NWRC who is assigned to cover Sunkhaze Meadows NWR.

The following methods are used to control and enforce hunting regulations:

• Refuge and hunt area boundaries are clearly posted.

• The refuge provides a brochure that shows hunt areas. The refuge Hunt Map/Leaflet is available on the Sunkhaze Meadows NWR Visitor Activities page on the refuge’s website at: https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Region_5/NWRS/North_Zone/Sunkhaze_Meadows/PDFs/ Sunkhaze%20Hunt%20Regs2015_2016.pdf.

• Law enforcement staff may randomly check hunters for compliance with Federal and State laws.

F. Funding and Staffing Requirements Sunkhaze Meadows NWR is an unstaffed refuge that is part of the Northern Maine NWRC that is administered by staff at Moosehorn NWR in Calais, ME. Volunteers and members of Friends of Sunkhaze Meadows assist the refuge by stocking brochures in kiosks and alerting Moosehorn NWR staff to problems. Moosehorn NWR staff respond to public inquiries about the hunting

Sunkhaze Meadows NWR Hunting Plan 6 program and update and revise hunt maps and brochures as needed. Law enforcement coverage is provided by the FWO stationed at Maine Coastal Islands NWRC Office in Rockland, ME.

Annual hunt administration costs for Sunkhaze Meadows NWR, including salary, equipment, law enforcement, brochures, collection of hunt data and analysis of biological information, etc. totals approximately $11,850 (see Table 2 below). Funding specifically for hunts has not been allocated, although funds are available through the Complex’s operating budget. It is anticipated that funding would continue to be sufficient to continue the hunting program at Sunkhaze Meadows NWR in the future.

Table 2. Estimated Annual Costs of the Hunting Program

Activity Material Costs Labor Costs Total Document Preparation $100 $200 $300 Posting/Signs $250 $500 $750 Administration $0 $700 $700 Outreach $100 $500 $600 Law Enforcement $1,500 $8,000 $9,500 Totals $1,950 $9,900 $11,850

IV. Conduct of the Hunting Program

A. Hunter Permit Application, Selection, and/or Registration Procedures No special permits are required to hunt on refuge lands. All hunting on Sunkhaze Meadows NWR will be conducted according to State and Federal regulations. Any deviations from MDIFW species, season length, or method of take are outlined in this Hunting Plan.

B. Refuge-Specific Hunting Regulations Listed below are proposed refuge-specific regulations or procedures for the 2021-2022 hunting seasons. These regulations may be modified as conditions change or if refuge expansion continues/occurs.

Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game birds on designated areas of the refuge. Migratory game bird hunters must remove all portable or temporary blinds and decoys from refuge lands following each day’s hunt. We allow hunters to enter the refuge 1 hour before legal shooting hours, and they must exit the refuge by 1 hour past legal shooting hours.

Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on designated areas of the refuge subject to certain conditions. We allow red squirrel, woodchuck, and Eastern coyote hunting from October 1 to March 31. We allow hunters to enter the refuge 1 hour before legal shooting hours, and they must exit the refuge by 1 hour past legal shooting hours, except for hunters pursuing raccoons and coyotes at night. The hunter must retrieve all species, including coyotes, harvested on the refuge.

Big game hunting. We allow hunting of black bear, bobcat, moose, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey on designated areas of the refuge, and we allow hunters to enter the refuge 1 hour before

Sunkhaze Meadows NWR Hunting Plan 7 legal shooting hours, and they must exit the refuge by 1 hour past legal shooting hours.

Tree stands. We allow portable tree stands, blinds and ladders. Hunters must clearly label any tree stand, blind, or ladder left on the refuge overnight with their name, address, phone number, and hunting license number. Tree stands may not be set up prior to the opening day of the archery deer season. Hunters must remove their tree stands, blinds, and/or ladders from the refuge on the last day of the muzzleloader deer season.

Electronic call devices and deer and moose decoys. The use of electronic call devices and deer and moose decoys is prohibited on refuge lands.

Falconry. Falconry is not permitted on the refuge.

Game and trail cameras. Use of game or trail cameras by the public is prohibited on refuge lands.

C. Relevant State Regulations All hunters on Sunkhaze Meadows NWR must follow the licensing guidelines set by the State of Maine. Hunters must secure and possess a State of Maine hunting license at all times while hunting on the refuge (50 CFR: 32.2(a)).

• Hunter orange clothing requirements. Hunter orange clothing is required in accordance with State of Maine regulations (50 CFR 32.2(d)).

• Youth Hunting Day. We allow youth hunting during the State-prescribed youth hunting days in accordance with State regulations and bag limits (50 CFR 32.2(d)).

D. Other Refuge Rules and Regulations for Hunting

• Non-toxic shot. Sunkhaze Meadows NWR requires the use of non-toxic ammunition while hunting migratory game birds and small game.

• Dogs. Sunkhaze Meadows NWR allows pointing, flushing and retrieving dogs. Pursuit hounds may be used to hunt animals such as raccoon, fox, hare, bobcat, coyote and bear (50 CFR 32.2(l)).

V. Public Engagement

A. Outreach for Announcing and Publicizing the Hunting Program The refuge maintains a mailing list for news release purposes to local newspapers, radio, and websites. Special announcements and articles may be issued in conjunction with hunting seasons. In addition, information about the hunt will be available on the Sunkhaze Meadows NWR website, the Northern Maine NWRC Facebook page, and from the Northern Maine NWRC Office. Brochures with Hunt Area maps and regulations are available at kiosks located at trailhead parking areas on the Milford Division of the refuge.

Sunkhaze Meadows NWR Hunting Plan 8 Maps and regulations are also available from the Service’s Hunting Information Website “Find Your Hunt” at: https://www.fws.gov/refuges/hunting/map/ and from the Sunkhaze Meadows Visitor Activities page of the refuge website at: https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Region_5/NWRS/North_Zone/Sunkhaze_Meadows/PDFs/Sun khaze%20Hunt%20Regs2015_2016.pdf.

B. Anticipated Public Reaction to the Hunting Program Based on the comments received during the 2013 CCP process, and the fact that hunting has already been allowed on Sunkhaze Meadows NWR for more than 20 years, very little negative public reaction is expected. Hunting is an important economic and recreational use of Maine’s natural resources.

C. How Hunters Will Be Informed of Relevant Rules and Regulations General information regarding hunting and other wildlife-dependent public uses can be obtained by calling (207) 454-7161, or from Moosehorn NWR headquarters at 103 Headquarters Road, Suite 1, Baring, ME 04694. Dates, hunting unit directions, and maps will be available at kiosks at parking areas and at: https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Region_5/NWRS/North_Zone/Sunkhaze_Meadows/PDFs/Sun khaze%20Hunt%20Regs2015_2016.pdf.

VI. Compatibility Determination

Hunting and all associated program activities proposed in this plan are compatible with the purposes of the refuge. See attached Hunting Compatibility Determination (CD).

VII. References

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. 2020. Summary of Maine Hunting Laws 2020-2021. https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/20-MDIFW-20-Hunting-Lawbook-2020- 2021.pdf

USFWS. 1990. Final Environmental Assessment Public Hunting at Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Milford, Maine. Orono, ME.

USFWS. 1990a. Hunting Management Plan Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Milford, Maine. Orono, ME.

USFWS. 2013. Comprehensive Conservation Plan Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Milford, Me. Hadley, MA.

Sunkhaze Meadows NWR Hunting Plan 9 Attachment 1: Sunkhaze Meadows NWR, Sandy Stream Division

Sunkhaze Meadows NWR Hunting Plan 10 Attachment 2: Sunkhaze Meadows NWR, Benton Division

Sunkhaze Meadows NWR Hunting Plan 11 Attachment 3: Sunkhaze Meadows NWR, Milford Division

Sunkhaze Meadows NWR Hunting Plan 12 COMPATIBILITY DETERMINATION

USE: Hunting

REFUGE NAME: Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

DATE ESTABLISHED: November 22, 1988

ESTABLISHING AUTHORITIES:

• Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 742a-742j; 70 Stat. 1119)

• Refuge Recreation Act of 1962 (16 U.S.C. 460k-460k-4; 76 Stat. 653)

REFUGE PURPOSES:

“... for the development, advancement, management, conservation, and protection of fish and wildlife resources ... for the benefit of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, in performing it activities and services. Such acceptance may be subject to the terms of any restrictive or affirmative covenant, or condition of servitude ...” (Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956).

“... (1) incidental fish and wildlife-oriented recreational development, (2) the protection of natural resources, (3) the conservation of endangered species or threatened species ...” (Refuge Recreation Act).

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM MISSION:

The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System (Refuge System) is to “… administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans” (Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law 105-57).

DESCRIPTION OF USE:

(a) What is the use? Is the use a priority public use? The use is public hunting of waterfowl (duck and goose), migratory and upland game birds (American woodcock, rail and Wilson’s snipe), big game (moose, white-tailed deer, black bear, bobcat and wild turkey), and upland game (ruffed grouse, snowshoe hare, red fox, red and gray squirrel, raccoon, skunk and woodchuck) at Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).

Hunting was identified as one of six priority public uses of the Refuge System by the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act (NWRSAA) of 1966, as amended by the Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (Public Law 105-57), when found to be compatible.

Appendix A – Hunting Compatibility Determination A-1 (b) Where would the use be conducted? Sunkhaze Meadows NWR has been open to public hunting of big game, upland game, and migratory game birds, for all U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service)-owned lands within the refuge boundary, since 1990 (USFWS 1990b). The following maps show refuge ownership for each of the three refuge divisions (Figures A-1, A-2 and A-3).

Figure A-1. Sunkhaze Meadows NWR Unit Trails and Planned Infrastructure, Milford Unit

Appendix A – Hunting Compatibility Determination A-2 Figure A-2. Sunkhaze Meadows NWR Benton Unit

Appendix A – Hunting Compatibility Determination A-3 Figure A-3. Sunkhaze Meadows NWR Sandy Stream Unit

Appendix A – Hunting Compatibility Determination A-4 (c) When would the use be conducted? Hunting seasons for big game, small game, upland and migratory game birds, and waterfowl would be in accordance with the State of Maine with the exception of red squirrel, woodchuck, and coyote. There is no closed season for these species in Maine, but they may only be hunted on refuge lands between October 1 and March 31 annually. This restriction was implemented to minimize disturbance to priority wildlife species nesting on the refuge, to balance priority public uses and avoid conflicts, and to ensure a safe working environment for refuge staff and volunteers while conducting fieldwork. We allow hunters to enter the refuge 1 hour prior to legal sunrise and remain on the refuge 1 hour after legal sunset. Night hunting for Eastern coyotes is permitted from the beginning of the season in December through March 31. In cooperation with the State, hunting season dates and bag limits may be adjusted in the future as needed to achieve balanced wildlife population levels and to limit conflicts with other user groups.

(d) How will the use be conducted? To ensure compatibility with refuge purposes and the mission of the Refuge System, hunting must be conducted in accordance with State and Federal regulations, as supplemented by refuge- specific regulations (50 CFR 32.38). All persons hunting on the refuge would be required to obtain the necessary State licenses, permits and stamps. Migratory game bird hunters would be required to have a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (“Duck Stamp”). In addition, hunters intending to hunt migratory game birds or waterfowl must have indicated on their license their intent to harvest these species. This information is compiled by the Service’s Harvest Information Program and is used by the Service and our State partners to manage these migratory game bird populations.

Access. Hunters may access the refuge on foot from roadways, parking lots, or trails, or via boats. In winter, they may access the refuge via snowshoes or skis. All areas of the refuge would continue to be open to the public during the hunting seasons. Visitors participating in approved public uses are allowed off-trail; however, off-trail use is limited to pedestrian access only (e.g., walking, snowshoeing, skiing). Signage at parking areas mentions that hunting is allowed and reminds visitors to wear blaze orange during appropriate time periods. Should visitor conflicts increase significantly, the refuge may consider zoning for different uses or area closures.

Non-toxic shot. Sunkhaze Meadows NWR requires the use of non-toxic ammunition while hunting migratory game birds and small game.

Baiting. Baiting is not permitted on national wildlife refuges.

Tree stands/blinds. Only temporary or portable blinds or ladders are authorized for use on Sunkhaze Meadows NWR. Hunters must clearly label any tree stand, blind, or ladder left on the refuge overnight with their name, address, phone number, and hunting license number. Tree stands may not be set up prior to the first day of the archery deer season. Hunters must remove all tree stands, blinds, and ladders from the refuge on the last day of muzzleloader deer season (50 CFR 32.2(d)). Migratory game bird hunters are required to remove all portable or temporary blinds and decoys from the refuge following each day’s hunt (50 CFR 32.2(l)).

Appendix A – Hunting Compatibility Determination A-5 Dogs. Sunkhaze Meadows NWR allows pointing, flushing and retrieving dogs; pursuit hounds may be used to hunt animals such as raccoon, fox, hare, bobcat, coyote and bear (50 CFR 32.2(l)).

Game and Trail Cameras. The use of game or trail cameras is prohibited on refuge lands.

Electronic call devices and deer and moose decoys. The use of electronic call devices and deer and moose decoys is prohibited on refuge lands.

Falconry: Falconry is not permitted on the refuge.

(e) Why is the use being proposed? Hunting is a healthy, traditional recreational use of renewable natural resources deeply rooted in America’s heritage, and it can be an important wildlife management tool. During the 2013 CCP process, the Service identified a goal to provide opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation, including hunting, where appropriate and compatible with refuge purposes (USFWS 2013).

Department of the Interior Secretarial Order 3356 directs the Service to enhance and expand public access to lands and waters on refuges for hunting, fishing, recreational shooting, and other forms of outdoor recreation. The proposed action would promote one of the priority public uses of the Refuge System, and providing opportunities for visitors to hunt would promote stewardship of our natural resources and increase public appreciation and support for the refuge.

AVAILABLITY OF RESOURCES:

There are sufficient funds within the annual operating budget of the Northern Maine NWR Complex to conduct the hunting program as proposed (see Table A-1). The refuge will also partially align with the state’s small game and black bear seasons, which may change slightly from year to year. The minor changes in the season alignment are not expected to have a significant effect on the hunt program or hunted species. We would continue to restrict hunting of Eastern coyote, red squirrel, and woodchuck to October 1 to March 31 annually to mitigate conflicts between priority wildlife uses. During the hunt season, current law enforcement efforts are focused on compliance with State and refuge regulations, reducing user conflicts in the refuge, and ensuring a safe hunt. The refuge has successfully implemented hunting programs on all three refuge divisions for over 30 years.

Table A-1. Estimated Annual Costs of the Hunting Program at Sunkhaze Meadows NWR

Activity Material Costs Labor Costs Total Document Preparation $100 $200 $300 Posting/Signs $250 $500 $750 Administration 0 $700 $700 Outreach $100 $500 $600 Law Enforcement $1,500 $8,000 $9,500 Totals $1,950 $9,900 $11,850

Appendix A – Hunting Compatibility Determination A-6 ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF THE USE:

The following are anticipated impacts for hunting on Sunkhaze Meadows NWR. When detailed information may be deficient or unavailable, we base our evaluation on professional judgment and experience. We usually identify potential impacts within a long-range timeframe (i.e., 15 years); beyond that timeframe, they become more speculative.

Please keep in mind the relatively small total land mass of the hunting area of the refuge in comparison with the entire Atlantic Flyway or the breeding ranges of the many birds and wildlife that use it. We recognize that the refuge is not isolated ecologically from the land around it; however, we may have overstated positive or negative impacts in that larger geographic context. Nevertheless, many of the actions we propose conform with the CCP and other regional landscape plans, and provide positive, incremental contributions to those larger landscape goals.

Hunting has occurred on the refuge since 1990 with no discernible adverse impacts to resources. Hunting has the potential to have positive or negative effects on wildlife resources and refuge visitors. A positive effect of increasing access to the refuge would be the additional wildlife- dependent recreational opportunities on all three refuge divisions. This can translate into more widespread and stronger support for Sunkhaze Meadows NWR, the Northern Maine NWRC, the Refuge System, and the Service. Although we anticipate this to be minimal, potential negative effects may include user conflict during hunting seasons.

Vegetation The number of hunters we have observed hunting on Sunkhaze Meadows NWR divisions in recent years and those initiating hunting as a result of these expanded opportunities comprise a small fraction of the refuge’s total annual visitation. Hunting could negatively affect vegetation by trampling or creating footpaths, although we anticipate this effect would be minimal. We have not observed any adverse effects on refuge vegetation due to hunting and do not anticipate that continuing the hunting program would create any significant increase in hunting pressure. The physical effects on refuge vegetation from hunting are expected to be minimal based on anticipated levels of use.

Positive effects on the vegetation may result from a reduction in the white-tailed deer population on and adjacent to the Benton and Sandy Stream Divisions where deer densities are relatively high. The impacts of dense deer populations on forest regeneration and the composition and diversity of the herbaceous understory have been well-documented (Tierson et al. 1966, Behrend et al. 1970, Tilghman 1989). Well-managed hunting can effectively control deer and produce dramatic changes in the forest vegetation (Behrend et al. 1970). The impact of deer hunting on the vegetation would be positive and result in better regeneration of forest canopy species and an increase in the diversity of the herbaceous understory. In summary, there would be few if any negative impacts from this use on the refuge’s vegetation, but there would be beneficial impacts from the decrease of deer browse on the refuge’s vegetation due to the decrease in the number of deer on refuge lands.

Negative impacts of recreational hunting include the temporary trampling of vegetation and light soil erosion. Most hunting activities occur during the fall, and impacts are projected to be

Appendix A – Hunting Compatibility Determination A-7 minimal. Some hunt seasons extend into winter when plants are dormant, and the ground is frozen and/or covered in snow. Hunters would have minimal impacts on plants during this period. For these reasons, hunting is expected to have minimal adverse impacts on vegetation.

Soils It is anticipated that minor impacts to soils would occur as a result of allowing hunting access on the refuge. Hunters have the potential to cause some compaction and/or erosion because off-trail foot travel would occur. Erosion potential would likely vary during the season based on soil moisture and temperatures. During much of the hunting season, soils may be frozen or covered in snow, thereby reducing the impacts. At the anticipated levels of use, with hunters dispersed across the refuge, hunting is expected to have minimal adverse impacts on soils.

Air and Water Quality Air and water quality impacts would be minimal and only due to refuge visitors’ automobile emissions and run-off on roads and trails. These effects would not only come from hunters but from a majority of users of wildlife-dependent recreation on the refuge. Given the traditional low number of hunters, the effects on overall air and water quality in the region would be negligible, compared to the effects from non-refuge sources.

Hydrology (Water Resources and Wetlands) Any impacts to hydrology from hunting would be minimal and only result from the use of roads and trails. Unsurfaced trails are susceptible to a variety of impacts including vegetation loss and compositional changes, soil compaction, erosion and muddiness, exposure of plant roots, trail widening, and the proliferation of visitor created side trails (Marion and Leung 2001). However, hunters are generally dispersed; therefore, hunting is expected to have minimal adverse effects on the refuge’s water resources.

Human Disturbance Hunting can have impacts on both target and non-target species. These impacts include direct mortality of individuals, changes in wildlife behavior, changes in wildlife population structure, dynamics, and distribution patterns, and disturbance from noise and hunters walking on- and off- trail (Cole and Knight 1990, Bell and Austin 1985). In many cases, hunting removes a portion of the wildlife population that would otherwise naturally succumb to predation, disease, or competition (Bartmann et al. 1992). Typical changes in deer behavior in response to hunting include avoidance of certain areas, becoming more wary, staying closer to cover, and shifting feeding times (e.g., feeding more at night) (King and Workman 1986). For waterfowl species, hunting may also make them more skittish and prone to disturbance, reduce the amount of time they spend foraging and resting, alter their habitat usage patterns, and disrupt their pair and family bonds (Raveling 1979, Owen 1977, White-Robinson 1982, Madsen 1985, and Bartelt 1987).

In general, visitors to the refuge engaged in hunting would be walking off-trail in designated areas open to hunting. General disturbance from recreational activities, including hunting, vary with the wildlife species involved and the activity’s type, level, frequency, duration, and the time of year, it occurs. The responses of wildlife to human activities, such as hunting, include avoidance or departure from the site (Owen 1973, Burger 1981, Kaiser and Fritzell 1984, Korschen et al. 1985, Kahl 1991, Klein 1993, Whittaker and Knight 1998), the use of suboptimal

Appendix A – Hunting Compatibility Determination A-8 habitat (Erwin 1980, Williams and Forbes 1980), altered behavior or habituation to human disturbance (Burger 1981, Korschen et al. 1985, Morton et al. 1989, Ward and Stehn 1989, Havera et al. 1992, Klein 1993, Whittaker and Knight 1998), attraction (Whittaker and Knight 1998), and an increase in energy expenditure (Morton et al. 1989, Miller and Bedard 1990). The amount of disturbance tends to increase with decreased distance between visitors and birds (Burger 1986).

Some bird species flee from human disturbance, which can lower their nesting productivity and cause disease and death (Knight and Cole 1991). Miller et al. found bird abundance and nesting activities (including nest success) increased as distance from a recreational trail increased in both grassland and forested habitats (1998). Bird communities in this study were apparently affected by the presence of recreational trails, where common species (i.e., American robins) were found near trails and more specialized species (i.e., grasshopper sparrows) were found farther from trails. Nest predation also was found to be greater near trails (Miller et al. 1998). Disturbance may affect the reproductive fitness of males by hampering territory defense, male attraction and other reproductive functions of song (Arcese 1987). Disturbance, which leads to reduced singing activity, makes males rely more heavily on physical deterrents in defending territories, which are time- and energy-consuming (Ewald and Carpenter 1978).

Seasonal sensitivities can compound the effect of disturbance on wildlife. Examples include regularly flushing birds during nesting or causing mammals to flee during winter months, thereby consuming large amounts of stored fat reserves. Hammitt and Cole note that females with young (such as white-tailed deer) are more likely to flee from a disturbance than those without young (1998).

Although the refuge has been unstaffed since 2008, weekly law enforcement patrols have been occurring since 2010. Since no permit system is in place, exact numbers of hunters using the refuge are not known. A number of hunters participate in the hunt, but they are dispersed over such a large area that disturbance in any one place has not been significant. Except for bald eagles, hunting takes place outside of the nesting period for most migratory birds, further minimizing the potential effects on these species. Disturbance to bald eagles associated with this activity is expected to be minimal because the overlap between hunting seasons and bald eagle nesting is limited (about 1 to 2 months), this is an existing use of the refuge, and adverse impacts to this species have not been observed to date.

Maine spring turkey hunting season typically runs from early May to early June, which may overlap with nesting seasons for other species. Most turkey hunters hide in blinds and use calls and decoys to lure the birds to their location. Consequently, there is a minimal amount of disturbance to the few species that have begun nesting during the spring turkey hunting seasons.

Sunkhaze Meadows NWR would be open to priority public uses including wildlife observation, environmental education, interpretation, photography, and fishing. We anticipate that hunting pressure would continue to be low on refuge lands, but non-hunters may elect to limit visits to Sundays (when hunting is not authorized in Maine per State regulations) or they may avoid the refuge altogether.

Appendix A – Hunting Compatibility Determination A-9 Resident Game Species MDIFW is responsible for the management of resident wildlife including game mammal species. They use a variety of methods to assess population levels and develop harvest strategies. While individual birds and mammals are harvested as part of the refuge’s hunt program, because of the State’s efforts to monitor and regulate harvest of resident species, we do not expect adverse impacts at the population level.

White-tailed deer – Deer populations vary considerably from region to region in the State largely due to severity of winter conditions with highest densities found in southern Maine and lowest numbers found to the north. MDIFW allocates a specific number of male and female deer permits and take methods across 29 individual Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs) based on previous harvest data, and deer abundance aerial surveys to ensure healthy populations of deer within the State.

All of the Sunkhaze Meadows NWR properties open to white-tailed deer hunting are located within MDIFW WMDs 18 and 23. In 2019, hunters harvested 28,323 deer in Maine with 40, 93, and 149 harvested in the towns of Milford, Benton, and Unity, respectively, which include refuge lands (less than 1 percent of the total Maine harvest) (MDIFW 2020). We do not anticipate that continuing to allow hunting on the three divisions of Sunkhaze Meadows NWR would have any significant effect on the number of deer harvested or local or regional deer populations.

Moose – Moose populations in the regions of the State that include Sunkhaze Meadows NWR lands (WMDs 18 and 23) are generally low, and in 2019, no moose were harvested in the town of Milford. Only one moose has been taken there in the past 5 years. No moose permits are issued for WMD 23, which includes the Benton and Sandy Stream Divisions. We do not anticipate that continuing to allow moose hunting on the Milford Division of Sunkhaze Meadows NWR would have any significant effect on the number of moose harvested, or local or regional moose populations.

Black bear – The forests of Maine support the largest black bear population in the Eastern United States. For more than 35 years, MDIFW has closely monitored bears to ensure their management decisions are based on current and sound information. Harvest levels are determined based on harvest data and collected teeth samples which help to show population trends and the number of bears present in the population.

The State regulates harvest by setting season length, bag limit, and legal methods of hunting. In Maine, 75 percent of bears are harvested by hunting over bait; 12 percent using pursuit dogs; 6 percent by deer hunters; 4 percent by still hunting; and 3 percent in traps. The total harvest in 2019 was 2,370 with 118 taken in WMD 18, which includes the Milford Division, but only one bear was reported from the town of Milford. The average bear harvest for the town of Milford over the past 5 years is 3.8. No bears were harvested in WMD 23, which includes the Benton and Sandy Stream Units. No baiting is allowed on the refuge, which is the method by which 75 percent of the bears harvested in Maine are taken. Black bear hunting on the three divisions of Sunkhaze Meadows NWR would not have any significant effect on the local or regional black bear population.

Appendix A – Hunting Compatibility Determination A-10 Wild turkey – Turkey populations have recently expanded in many areas of the State. There are both spring and fall turkey hunting seasons in Maine; bag limits vary by WMD between 1 and 5 birds. In WMD 23, which includes the Benton and Sandy Stream Divisions, the bag limit during the fall hunt was 5 birds. The 5-year average harvest for the spring season is 93 for WMD 18 and 599 for WMD 23. The Statewide spring harvest over the past 5 years averages 5,894 birds. We do not anticipate that continuing to allow wild turkey hunting on Sunkhaze Meadows NWR would have any significant effect on the number of turkeys harvested, or local or regional turkey populations.

Furbearers and small mammals – In Maine, many mammals are harvested for their pelt value. Many of the species are harvested by trapping, but coyote, bobcat, raccoon, skunk, snowshoe hare, gray squirrel, woodchuck, porcupine, and red squirrel are also hunted.

Currently, the State’s coyote population is between 10,000 to 12,000 in the winter and increases to 19,000 in spring. This number decreases due to the low number of pups that survive after birth. The coyote population in Maine has been the center of controversy in recent years because of its potential role in affecting deer populations. There is a desire by some public to control or eliminate coyote populations. However, hunting and trapping has been shown to have little effect in determining Statewide population levels. There would need to be mortality rates greater than 70 percent for there to be a reduction in the population (Jakubas 1999). In 2019, 1,909 coyotes were taken in Maine through hunting and trapping.

The red fox population is distributed Statewide and is currently considered to be abundant and stable (Caron 1986, Jakubas 2004). Red fox are hunted but most of the take for this species is through trapping. Harvests across the State in 2019 through trapping and hunting totaled 458, which is below the 3- and 10-year averages of 581 and 850, respectively.

The bobcat is both trapped and hunted and is distributed over most of the State (Morris 1986). The Bobcat Management System is used to manage bobcat populations in the State (McLaughlin 1995). The number of bobcat harvested in 2019 through trapping and hunting was 352, which is above the 3- and 10-year averages of 236 and 291, respectively. Population trends for the striped skunk, porcupine, and woodchuck are unknown according to the State of Maine since harvest numbers are not recorded.

Some disturbance to small game species on the refuge would occur during the hunting season, although the disturbance is considered negligible as the number of anticipated hunters is thought to be very small. Potential impacts to target species include direct mortality or injury and indirect changes in behavior. We anticipate that hunting pressure for small game species on refuge lands would be minimal. In addition, the refuge has limited the season length and methods of take for some small game species to minimize conflicts with other refuge users and species of conservation concern. To mitigate potential adverse impacts, Sunkhaze Meadows NWR prohibits the use of toxic ammunition for small game hunting. Shot that has traditionally been used to hunt small game and bullets used for hunting big game with rifles have been made of lead, which is toxic to both wildlife and humans. Even small amounts of lead ingested by birds can lead to lead poisoning, which often results in death of the bird. Birds can pick up lead pellets while looking for grit and scavengers, including bald eagles can pick up lead while feeding on birds that contain lead pellets, or the entrails that are removed from big game such as deer and moose.

Appendix A – Hunting Compatibility Determination A-11 Migratory Game Bird Species While individual migratory birds are harvested as part of the refuge’s hunt program, there would not be a significant impact on local, regional, or Atlantic Flyway migratory game birds or waterfowl populations because the percentage taken on the refuge, though possibly additive to existing hunting take, would measure a fraction of a percent of the estimated migratory game birds populations. The Service and the State monitor and regulate the harvest of these species to maintain optimal populations.

Potential impacts to target migratory game bird species include mortality, injury and changes in behavior. In addition, hunting could result in some short-term redistribution due to disturbance. To mitigate additional adverse impacts, Sunkhaze Meadows NWR prohibits the use of toxic ammunition for migratory game bird and waterfowl hunting. Hunting migratory waterfowl with lead shot has been banned for many years since it was discovered that waterfowl and other birds could pick up spent lead pellets while feeding and searching for grit they require for breaking down food in their crops. Birds that may have been shot but not killed often die or fall prey to scavengers, such as bald eagle, that ingest the lead pellets while feeding on crippled or dead birds.

Waterfowl – Adverse effects on waterfowl populations are not expected because of the hunting regulations and bag limits that have been set in place by the Federal and State agencies the Service, the Migratory Bird Office and the MDIFW that manage the harvest of waterfowl populations. Important conservation measures, extensive pre- and post-season population monitoring, and the institution of Adaptive Harvest Management are safeguards inherent in waterfowl management. Adverse effects on other game species are not expected because hunting would occur under State and Federal regulations. The MDIFW and the Service set harvest limits that take into account game species population data collected by State biologists and wildlife species assessments.

Woodcock – Restrictive hunting regulations have been in effect for American woodcock since 1985 when surveys indicated a decline in numbers since the 1960s. The Service and State agencies monitor the population closely through a Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) and the Annual Singing Ground Survey (SGS) conducted throughout the birds range and use this information to set bag limits that are intended to maintain or increase woodcock population levels.

Based on data from the HIP, 3,800 woodcock hunters harvested 9,700 woodcock in Maine during the 2018-2019 season. The long-term trend (1968 to 2019) indicates a decline in woodcock numbers across their range. In 2019, the average number of males heard on Maine SGS routes (3.42) was slightly higher than 2018 (3.01). Based on recent data and research, we do not expect adverse effects at the population level.

Socioeconomics The 2011 national survey of fishing, hunting, and wildlife-dependent recreation revealed that 1,117,000 Maine residents and nonresidents 16 years old and older fished, hunted, or watched wildlife in Maine. Of that total, 341,000 fished, 181,000 hunted, and 838,000 participated in wildlife-dependent activities including observing, feeding, and photographing wildlife (USFWS 2011). During 2019, 162,065 hunting licenses were sold in Maine (USFWS 2019). While we do

Appendix A – Hunting Compatibility Determination A-12 not have exact numbers of hunters on the refuge units, visitors participating in this use provided some economic benefit to the local economies by purchasing goods and services (e.g., food, lodging, gas) in and around the three refuge units.

PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT:

This CD is part of the Sunkhaze Meadows NWR Hunting Plan and the accompanying Environmental Assessment (EA). The proposal has been thoroughly coordinated with all interested and/or affected parties. Public notification and review of this CD will include no less than a 30-day comment period. We will inform the public through local venues, the refuge website and social media. Comments received from the public will be considered, and modifications may be incorporated into the final plan and decision documents.

DETERMINATION (CHECK ONE BELOW):

______Use is not compatible

___X__ Use is compatible, with the following stipulations

STIPULATIONS NECESSARY TO ENSURE COMPATIBILITY:

To ensure compatibility with refuge purposes and the Refuge System mission, hunting can occur at Sunkhaze Meadows NWR in accordance with State and Federal regulations and special refuge-specific restrictions to ensure that wildlife and habitat management goals are achieved, and that the program is providing a safe, quality hunting experience for participants. The hunting program will be monitored and potentially modified if any of the program’s components are found not compatible.

The following stipulations are necessary to ensure compatibility:

• We allow hunters to enter the refuge 1 hour before legal shooting hours, and they must exit the refuge by 1 hour past legal shooting hours except for hunters pursuing coyotes or raccoons at night.

• The hunter must retrieve all species harvested on the refuge.

• Red squirrel, coyote and woodchuck may be hunted from October 1 through March 31.

• We require the use of non-toxic ammunition while hunting migratory game birds and small game.

• The use of electronic calls and deer and moose decoys is not permitted on the refuge.

• Falconry is not permitted on the refuge.

• Baiting is not permitted on national wildlife refuges.

Appendix A – Hunting Compatibility Determination A-13

• We allow tree stands, blinds, and ladders. You must clearly label tree stands, blinds, or ladders left on the refuge overnight with your State hunting license number. Tree stands may not be set up prior to the first day of the deer archery season. You must remove your tree stands, blinds, and/or ladders from the refuge on the last day of the muzzleloader deer season.

JUSTIFICATION:

Hunting is a priority public use of the Refuge System through which the public can develop an appreciation for fish and wildlife resources. The Service's policy is to provide enhanced opportunities for this use when compatible and consistent with sound fish and wildlife management. In addition, hunting is an historic use of the refuge and is a popular, traditional recreation activity on public lands in Maine that is strongly supported by MDIFW.

Allowing hunting on Sunkhaze Meadows NWR would not materially interfere with, or detract from, the mission of the Refuge System of the purposes for which the refuge was established. As discussed under the section on anticipated impacts above, hunting is a wildlife-dependent priority public use with minimal adverse impacts on refuge resources. Because of this, it is consistent with the wildlife and habitat aspects of the refuge's purposes, the Service policy on hunting, the Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and the broad management objectives of the Refuge System.

Hunting would not materially interfere with or detract from the endangered species aspect of the refuge's purposes, because there are no federally listed threatened or endangered species that occur on the refuge. Therefore, no significant adverse effects from public hunting are anticipated. Allowing this use supports CCP goals and objectives as described in the refuge's CCP and the refuge's purpose associated with allowing wildlife-oriented recreational opportunities (USFWS 2013). This activity would not materially interfere with or detract from the mission of the Service, because providing this wildlife-dependent recreational opportunity is a focus of the Refuge System.

SIGNATURE: Refuge Manager ______(Signature) (Date)

CONCURRENCE: Regional Chief ______(Signature) (Date)

MANDATORY 15 YEAR RE-EVALUATION DATE: ______(Date)

Appendix A – Hunting Compatibility Determination A-14 REFERENCES

Arcese, P. 1987. Age, intrusion pressure and defense against floaters by territorial male Song Sparrows. Animal Behavior 35:773-784.

Bartelt, G.A. 1987. Effects of disturbance and hunting on the behavior of Canada geese family groups in East Central Wisconsin. Journal of Wildlife Management 51:517-522.

Bartmann, R.M., G.C. White, and L.H. Carpenter. 1992. Compensatory mortality in a Colorado mule deer population. Wildlife Monographs 121.

Behrend, D.F., G.F. Mattfield, W.C. Tierson, and J.E. Wiley. 1970. Deer density control for comprehensive forest management. Journal of Forestry 68:695-700.

Belanger, L. and J. Bedard. 1990. Energetic cost of man-induced disturbance to staging snow geese. Journal of Wildlife Management 54:36.

Bell, D.V. and L.W. Austin. 1985. The game-fishing season and its effects on overwintering wildfowl. Biological Conservation 33:65-80.

Burger, J. 1981. Effect of human activity on birds at a coastal bay. Biological Conservation 21:231-241.

Caron, M. 1986. Red fox assessment. 1985. MDIFW, 284 State Street, State House Station 41, Augusta, Maine, 04333-0041. 34 pp.

Cole, D.N. 1990. Ecological impacts of wilderness recreation and their management. Pages 425- 466, in: Hendee, J.C., G.H. Stankey, R.C. Lucas, eds., Wilderness Management. North American Press, Golden, CO.

Cole, D.N. and R.L. Knight. 1990. Impacts of recreation on biodiversity in wilderness. Natural Resources and Environmental Issues 0:33-40.

Erwin, R.M. 1980. Breeding habitat by colonially nesting water birds in two Mid-Atlantic U.S. regions under different regimes of human disturbance. Biological Conservation. 18:39- 51.

Ewald P.W. and F.L. Carpenter. 1978. Territorial responses to energy manipulations in the Anna hummingbird. Oecologia 31: 277-292.

Hammitt, W.E. and D.N. Cole. 1998. Wildlife Recreation: Ecology and Management (2nd edition). New York: John Wiley & Sons. 361pp.

Havera, S.P., L.R. Boens, M.M. Georgi, and R.T. Shealy. 1992. Human disturbance of waterfowl on Keokuk Pool, Mississippi River. Wildlife Society Bulletin 20:290-298.

Appendix A – Hunting Compatibility Determination A-15 Jakubas, W.J. 1999. Coyote assessment. 1999. MDIFW, 284 State Street, State House Station 41, Augusta, ME, 04333-0041. 67 pp.

Kahl, R. 1991. Boating disturbance of canvasbacks during migration at Lake Poygan, Wisconsin. Wildlife Society Bulletin 19:242-248.

Kaiser, M.S. and E.K. Fritzell. 1984. Effects of river recreationists on green-backed heron behavior. Journal of Wildlife Management 48:561-567.

King, M.M. and G.W. Workman. 1986. Response of desert bighorn sheep to human harassment: management implications. Transactions 51st North American Wildlife and Natural Resource Conference.

Klein, M.L. 1993. Waterbird behavioral responses to human disturbance. Wildlife Society Bulletin 21:31-39.

Knight, R.L. and D.N. Cole. 1991. Effects of recreational activity on wildlife in wildlands. Transactions of the 56th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference pp. 238-247.

Korschen, C.E., L.S. George, and W.L. Green. 1985. Disturbance of diving ducks by boaters on a migrational staging area. Wildlife Society Bulletin 13:290-296.

Kushlan, J.A. 1978. Feeding ecology of wading birds. Pages 249-297, in: A. Sprunt IV, J.C. Ogden, and S. Winckler, eds., Wading Birds, Res. Rep. 7. National Audubon Society, New York.

Madsen, J. 1985. Impact of disturbance on field utilization of pink-footed geese in West Jutland, Denmark. Biological Conservation 33:53-63.

MDIFW. 2011a. Research and Management Report. State of Maine.

MDIFW. 2004. Furbearers and small game mammals. Pages 20-22 in: Wildlife Division Research and Management Report 2004. MDIFW, 284 State Street, State House Station 41, Augusta, ME, 04333-0041. 78 pp.

MDIFW. 2020. 2020-21 Maine Migratory Game Bird Quick Reference Guide. Available online at: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/20-MDIFW-26-Migratory-stand-alone.pdf.

MDIFW. 2020. Summary of Maine Hunting Laws 2020-2021. Available online at: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/20-MDIFW-20-Hunting-Lawbook-2020-21.pdf.

MDIFW. 2020. 2019-20 Research and Management Report, Game Species Conservation and Management. Available online at: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/20-MDIFW-24- R&M-game-species.pdf.

Appendix A – Hunting Compatibility Determination A-16 MDIFW. 2020. MDIFW Big Game Harvest Dashboard. Available online at: https://maine.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bd9753317d3740d78146a 96f5a095985.

McLaughlin, C.R. 1995. Bobcat management system. MDIFW, 284 State Street, State House Station 41, Augusta, ME, 04333-0041. 21 pp. plus appendices.

Miller, S.G., R.L. Knight, and C.K. Miller. 1998. Influence of Recreational Trails on Breeding Bird Communities. Ecological Applications 8:162-169.

Morris, K.I. 1986. Bobcat Assessment 1986. MDIFW, 284 State Street, State House Station 41, Augusta, ME, 04333-0041. 43 pp.

Morton, J.M., A.C. Fowler, and R.L. Kirkpatrick. 1989. Time and energy budgets of American black ducks in winter. Journal of Wildlife Management 53:401-410.

Office of the Federal Register National Archives and Records Administration. 2011. Wildlife and Fisheries. Code of Federal Regulations. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC.

Owen, M. 1973. The management of grassland areas for wintering geese. Wildfowl 24:123-130.

Raveling, D.G. 1979. Traditional use of migration and winter roost sites by Canada geese. Journal of Wildlife Management. 43:229-235.

Tierson, W.C., E.F. Patric, and D.F. Behrend. 1966. Influence of white-tailed deer on the logged northern hardwood forest. J. Forestry. 64:804-805.

Tilghman, N.G. 1989. Impacts of white-tailed deer on forest regeneration in northwestern Pennsylvania. Journal of Wildlife Management 53:524-532.

USFWS. 1990a. Final environmental assessment: Public hunting at Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, ME.

USFWS. 1990b. Hunting management plan for Sunkhaze National Wildlife Refuge.

USFWS. 2011. 2011 National survey of fishing, hunting, and wildlife-associated recreation: national overview.

USFWS. 2013. Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and Carlton Pond Waterfowl Production Area Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment. April 2013.

Ward, D.H. and R.A. Stehn. 1989. Response of brant and other geese to aircraft disturbance at Izembek Lagoon, Alaska. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Fish and Wildlife Research Center. Final report to the Minerals Management Service. Anchorage, AK.

Appendix A – Hunting Compatibility Determination A-17 White-Robinson, R. 1982. Inland and saltmarsh feeding of wintering brent geese in Essex. Wildfowl 33:113-118.

Whittaker, D. and R.L. Knight. 1998. Understanding wildlife responses to humans. Wildlife Society Bulletin 26:312-317.

Williams, G. and Forbes, J.E. 1980. The habitat and dietary preferences of Dark-bellied Brent Geese and Wigeon in relation to agricultural management. Wildfowl, [S.l.], p. 151-157. Available online at: https://wildfowl.wwt.org.uk/index.php/wildfowl/article/view/618.

Appendix A – Hunting Compatibility Determination A-18 Environmental Assessment for Hunting on Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

This Environmental Assessment (EA) is being prepared to evaluate the effects associated with this proposed action and complies with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in accordance with Council on Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR 1500-1509) and Department of the Interior (43 CFR 46; 516 DM 8) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) (550 FW 3) regulations and policies. NEPA requires examination of the effects of proposed actions on the natural and human environment. A list of laws and executive orders evaluated through this EA is included at the end of this document.

Proposed Action The Service is proposing to expand hunting opportunities for waterfowl (duck and goose), migratory game birds (American woodcock, rail and Wilson’s snipe), upland game (ruffed grouse, snowshoe hare, red fox, red and gray squirrel, raccoon, skunk and woodchuck), and big game (moose, white-tailed deer, black bear, bobcat and wild turkey) on Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge (NWR, refuge) in accordance with the refuge’s Hunting Plan. Sunkhaze Meadows NWR was first opened to hunting in 1990. The Service plans to continue the existing hunting program and to modify season dates for small game and bear, which can change year to year to align with State of Maine regulations and to formally open 2,608 acres added to the refuge since the 1990 Hunt Plan was approved to public hunting. We would continue to restrict hunting of Eastern coyote, red squirrel, and woodchuck to October 1 to March 31 annually to mitigate conflicts between priority wildlife uses.

All Sunkhaze Meadows NWR lands would be open to hunting including the 11,558-acre Milford Division, as well as the 334 acres on the Benton Division, and 54 acres on the Sandy Stream Division in Unity.

This proposed action is often iterative and evolves over time during the process as the Agency refines its proposal and learns more from the public, tribes, and other agencies. Therefore, the final proposed action may be different from the original. The final decision on the proposed action will be made at the conclusion of the public comment period for the EA and the draft 2021-2022 Hunt Plan.

Background National wildlife refuges are guided by the mission and goals of the National Wildlife Refuge System (Refuge System), the purposes of an individual refuge, Service policy, and laws and international treaties. Relevant guidance includes the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act (NWRSAA) of 1966, as amended by the Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Refuge Recreation Act of 1962, and selected portions of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and Fish and Wildlife Service Manual (FWS).

Sunkhaze Meadows NWR was established under the authority of the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 and the Refuge Recreation Act. The purposes for which Sunkhaze Meadows NWR was established are:

Appendix B – Environmental Assessment B-1

• “...for the development, advancement, management, conservation, and protection of fish and wildlife resources... for the benefit of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, in performing its activities and services.” 16 U.S.C. 742f(a)(4) (Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956).

• “...(1) incidental fish and wildlife-oriented recreational development, (2) the protection of natural resources, (3) the conservation of endangered species or threatened species ....” 16 U.S.C. 460k-1 (Refuge Recreation Act of 1966, as amended).

Sunkhaze Meadows NWR was established administratively in 1988 to ensure the ecological integrity of the Sunkhaze Meadows Unit peat bog and to conserve wetland, stream, and forest habitats, and associated wildlife. Sunkhaze Meadows NWR includes two smaller units (Benton and Sandy Stream Divisions) and four conservation easements scattered throughout central Maine.

The mission of the Refuge System, as outlined by the NWRSAA, as amended by the Refuge System Improvement Act (16 U.S.C. 668dd et seq.), is:

“... to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.”

The NWRSAA mandates the Secretary of the Interior in administering the Refuge System to (16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)(4)):

● Provide for the conservation of fish, wildlife, and plants, and their habitats within the Refuge System;

● Ensure that the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of the Refuge System are maintained for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans;

● Ensure that the mission of the Refuge System described at 16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)(2) and the purposes of each refuge are carried out;

● Ensure effective coordination, interaction, and cooperation with owners of land adjoining refuges and the fish and wildlife agency of the States in which the units of the Refuge System are located;

● Assist in the maintenance of adequate water quantity and water quality to fulfill the mission of the Refuge System and the purposes of each refuge;

● Recognize compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses as the priority general public uses of the Refuge System through which the American public can develop an appreciation for fish and wildlife;

Appendix B – Environmental Assessment B-2 ● Ensure that opportunities are provided within the Refuge System for compatible wildlife- dependent recreational uses; and

● Monitor the status and trends of fish, wildlife, and plants in each refuge.

Therefore, it is a priority of the Service to provide for wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities, including hunting and fishing, when those opportunities are compatible with the purposes for which the refuge was established and the mission of the Refuge System.

All lands that are part of the Sunkhaze Meadows NWR have been open to pubic hunting since 1990. With a few exceptions, hunting is permitted during seasons prescribed by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW).

Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action Hunting is a healthy, traditional recreational use of renewable natural resources deeply rooted in America’s heritage, and it can be an important wildlife management tool. The NWRSAA of 1966, the Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and Service policy permit hunting on a national wildlife refuge as a priority wildlife-dependent recreational opportunity when it is compatible with the purposes for which the refuge was established and acquired.

The purpose of this proposed action is to formally open 2,608 acres that were acquired after the original hunt plan was approved to public hunting, partially align with the state’s the small game and black bear seasons, which may change slightly from year to year, and to continue to provide compatible wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities on Sunkhaze Meadows NWR. We would continue to restrict hunting of Eastern coyote, red squirrel, and woodchuck to October 1 to March 31 annually, to mitigate conflicts between priority wildlife uses. The need of the proposed action is to meet the Service’s priorities and mandates, as outlined by the NWRSAA, to “recognize compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses as the priority general uses of the Refuge System” and “ensure that opportunities are provided within the Refuge System for compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses” (16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)(4)).

The Sunkhaze Meadows NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP), approved in 2013, called for a review and update of the refuge’s Hunt Plan. The refuge’s hunting program supports Goals 4 and 6 and Objective 4.2 of the CCP:

● Goal 4: Sunkhaze Meadows Public Use. “Engage visitors, students, and nearby residents in the Refuge System’s six priority public uses, as well as other compatible public uses, to enhance public understanding, enjoyment, and environmental stewardship of the wetlands, woods, wildlife, and cultural resources of the Sunkhaze Meadows Unit.”

● Goal 6: Benton and Sandy Stream Units Public Use. “Engage visitors, students, and nearby residents in the Refuge System’s six priority public uses, as well as other compatible public uses, to enhance public understanding, enjoyment, and environmental stewardship of the shrublands, woods, grasslands, and wildlife at the Benton and Sandy Stream Units. While no formal assessment has been conducted, Service staff and volunteers have observed that most visitors to the refuge engage in some form of

Appendix B – Environmental Assessment B-3 wildlife-dependent recreation. Wildlife observation, fishing, and hunting are the three of the most common activities.”

● CCP Objective 4.2: Hunting. “Annually, allow access for hunting of big game, upland game, and migratory game birds in accordance with State and refuge regulations and consistent with sound biological principles to create opportunities for connecting visitors with nature by providing participants with reasonable harvest opportunities, uncrowded conditions, and minimal conflicts with other users.”

In 1990, the original hunt plan opened Sunkhaze Meadows NWR to public hunting. At that time, the refuge consisted of 9,337.4 acres. Since that time, an additional 2,608 acres have been added to the refuge. Although public hunting was allowed to occur on these lands, they were never formally opened through the normal procedures. A memorandum dated November 24, 1999, from the Deputy Refuge Manager clarified that all lands under the jurisdiction of the refuge would be open to hunting. Our proposed alternative is to formally open the additional 2,608 acres to public hunting and to align the bear and small game seasons (with minor exceptions) with State of Maine Seasons.

Alternatives Alternative A: No Action Alternative Under this alternative, the existing hunting program would continue without changes. The lands acquired subsequent to approval of the 1990 Hunt Plan would not be formally opened to public hunting.

Alternative B: Proposed Action Alternative The refuge has prepared a hunt plan, which is presented in this document as the Proposed Action Alternative. Under the Proposed Action Alternative, the pubic hunting program on all lands of the Sunkhaze Meadows NWR would continue with several minor modifications to partially align refuge seasons for upland game and black bear with State seasons, which may change slightly from year to year, and to include lands acquired after the last Hunt Plan. Hunting of Eastern coyote, red squirrel, and woodchuck would be limited to October 1 through March 31 to mitigate conflicts between other priority wildlife refuge uses. Refuge-specific regulations would be published in the Federal Register as part of the 2021-2022 Refuge-Specific Hunting Regulations.

The new lands that would be open to hunting include 2,220 acres in Milford, Penobscot County, 334 acres in Benton, Kennebec County, and 34 acres in Unity, Waldo County.

The small game and black bear seasons would be aligned with State of Maine open seasons which may change slightly from year to year. We would continue to restrict hunting of Eastern coyote, red squirrel, and woodchuck to October 1 to March 31 annually. There is no closed season for these species in Maine.

Mitigation Measures to Avoid Conflicts Refuge and State law enforcement officers enforce hunting regulations on the refuge. Providing hunting information through various forums will ensure the public is aware of applicable laws and policies.

Appendix B – Environmental Assessment B-4 To minimize conflict, refuge-specific hunt regulations and hunt unit maps (brochures) will be made available to hunters at kiosks, the refuge website, and at the Northern Maine National Wildlife Refuge Complex (NWRC, Complex) office in Calais, Maine. To help reduce interaction between hunters on the refuge, other user groups off the refuge, and adjacent landowners, refuge boundaries and hunt area boundaries will be clearly posted to clearly delineate where refuge specific hunting regulations are applied Information is posted on kiosks and refuge websites to alert non-hunters of hunting activity and recommend wearing blaze orange while walking the trails during hunting season.

Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences This section is organized by affected resource categories and for each affected resource discusses both (1) the existing environmental and socioeconomic baseline in the action area for each resource and (2) the effects and impacts of the proposed action and any alternatives on each resource. The effects and impacts of the proposed action considered here are changes to the human environment, whether adverse or beneficial, that are reasonably foreseeable and have a reasonably close causal relationship to the proposed action or alternatives. This EA focuses on the written analyses of the environmental consequences on a resource only when the impacts on that resource could be more than negligible and therefore considered an “affected resource.” Resources that will not be more than negligibly impacted by the action may be dismissed from further analyses (see Table B-1). We determine significance by considering the degree of effects to that environment, and connected actions are used to assist in determining significance.

Sunkhaze Meadows NWR is part of the Northern Maine NWRC that is administered by staff at the Moosehorn NWR Office in Calais, Maine. The Complex includes the Aroostook, Moosehorn and Sunkhaze Meadows NWRs, the Carlton Pond Waterfowl Production Area in Troy, Maine, and a number of Farmer’s Home Conservation Easements in northern and central Maine.

Sunkhaze Meadows NWR is comprised of the main Sunkhaze Meadows Unit, Benton Unit and Sandy Stream Unit. The Sunkhaze Meadows Unit consists of approximately 18 square miles (11,676 acres) in the town of Milford, Penobscot County, located approximately 14 miles northeast of Bangor.

The Sunkhaze Meadows Unit is about 3 miles east of the Penobscot River and roughly bounded on the west by Dudley Brook, on the south and east by County Road, and on the north and east by Stud Mill Road. Sunkhaze Stream bisects the refuge along a northeast to southwest orientation and along with its six tributaries, creates a diversity of wetland communities. The bogs and stream wetlands, adjacent uplands and associated transition zones, provide important habitat for many wildlife species. The wetland complex consists primarily of wet meadows, shrub thickets, cedar swamps, extensive red and silver maple floodplain forests and open freshwater stream habitats, along with plant communities associated with peatlands, such as shrub heaths and cedar and spruce bogs.

The 334-acre Benton Unit is in the Town of Benton in Kennebec County, about 5 miles northeast of Waterville, Maine. This unit is just east of the Sebasticook River and is bounded by Route 139 on the west, Fowler Brook to the east, and Albion Road to the south. The Service acquired this property from the Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) this unit includes wetlands and

Appendix B – Environmental Assessment B-5 breeding habitat for sedge wrens (Cistothorus platensis), a State-listed endangered species, although sedge wrens have not been observed on the unit since then. About one-third of the Benton Division is maintained as grassland and two-thirds is second growth mixed softwood- hardwood forest. Historically, the land was drained to provide pasture for dairy cows. In 1993, the Service installed three dikes to restore some small wetland habitats ranging from one-quarter to 2 acres at the site.

The 58-acre Sandy Stream Unit was acquired along with the Benton property and is located in the town of Unity in Waldo County. This parcel is primarily old pasture with a variety of shrub species. The unit is bounded on the east by Sandy Stream that flows north into Unity Pond, west by Prairie Road, and to the south by town-owned land that abuts Route 139.

It is important to note that according to the U.S. Forest Service, Maine is the most heavily forested State in the country, with over 90 percent forested (17.6 million acres). In contrast to many other States in this region, this provides abundant opportunities for hunters to find land open to hunting, including over 3 million acres managed by North Maine Woods in the northern section of the State.

For more information on the affected environment, see Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and Carlton Pond Waterfowl Production Area CCP and Environmental Assessment (USFWS 2013). The CCP can be found at: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Sunkhaze_Meadows/what_we_do/finalccp.html. This EA often tiers from that EA and provides additional specific analysis of the proposed action.

TABLE B-1. POTENTIAL FOR ADVERSE IMPACTS FROM PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES Not Greater than No/Negligible Applicable: Negligible Impacts: Resource Impacts: Resources Exists but no does not Impacts or negligible exist in analyzed in impacts project area this EA Species to Be Hunted/Fished ☐ ☐ ☒ Non-Target Wildlife and Aquatic ☐ ☒ ☐ Species Threatened and Endangered Species ☐ ☒ ☐ and Other Special Status Species Habitat and Vegetation (including vegetation of special management ☐ ☒ ☐ concern) Geology and Soils ☐ ☒ ☐ Air Quality ☐ ☒ ☐ Water Quality ☒ ☐ ☐ Floodplains ☒ ☐ ☐ Wilderness ☒ ☐ ☐ Visitor Use and Experience ☐ ☒ ☐

Appendix B – Environmental Assessment B-6 Not Greater than No/Negligible Applicable: Negligible Impacts: Resource Impacts: Resources Exists but no does not Impacts or negligible exist in analyzed in impacts project area this EA Cultural Resources ☐ ☒ ☐ Refuge Management and Operations ☐ ☒ ☐ Socioeconomics and Environmental ☐ ☒ ☐ Justice

Big Game (white-tailed deer, moose, black bear, bobcat, raccoon and wild turkey) Affected Resource Description Populations of white-tailed deer, black bear, bobcat, and raccoon are relatively stable in this region of Maine. Refuge lands are within MDIFW Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs) 18 (Milford Division) and 23 (Benton and Sandy Stream Divisions). Although the refuge does not require non-toxic shot for big game hunting, nationwide, there is concern about the bioavailability of spent lead ammunition (bullets) and sinkers on the environment, endangered and threatened species, birds (especially raptors), mammals, and other fish and wildlife susceptible to biomagnification. We will continue to encourage use of non-toxic ammunition and fishing tackle, and will educate hunters and anglers about lead and it’s impacts.

White-tailed deer: The white-tailed deer population in Maine is estimated to be 3 million. Within Maine, the deer hunting season spans 79 days and consists of archery, expanded archery, general firearm, and two muzzleloader seasons.

Moose: MDIFW estimates there are 60,000 to 70,000 moose in Maine. MDIFW offers five different seasons to hunt moose from September 28 to November 28. However, in this region of Maine, hunters are limited to two 1-week hunts in late September and mid-October. Moose hunters must receive a permit to hunt moose through an annual lottery process. In 2019, 1,949 moose were harvested in Maine and no moose were harvested in Milford. Only 1 moose has been harvested in that town since 2015. No moose permits are issued for WMD 23, which includes the Benton and Sandy Stream Divisions.

Black bear: MDIFW estimates there are 37,000 black bears in Maine. The black bear population in Maine has been generally increasing since 2004 when the State supported 23,000 bears (MDIFW 2018). In 2020, MDIFW offers black bear hunting opportunities from August 31 through November 28. Within Maine, 67 percent of the bears harvested are taken over bait and that method is not permitted on refuges.

Bobcat: In Maine, the bobcat hunting season is open from December 1 through February 20, and there is no limit on the number of bobcats that can be taken.

Appendix B – Environmental Assessment B-7 Raccoon: In Maine, the raccoon hunting season is open from October 1 through December 31 and there is no limit to the number of raccoons that can be harvested. Maine also allows night hunting of raccoons, only when the hunter is accompanied by a dog.

Wild turkey: Maine offers both spring and fall hunting seasons for wild turkey. In 2019, hunters harvested 8,952 turkeys in Maine. It is estimated that there are 60,000 wild turkeys in Maine.

Anticipated Impacts No Action Alternative White-tailed deer: White-tailed deer hunting would continue to be permitted on all refuge land. These areas would be open in alignment with MDIFW season length and methods of take. We do not have refuge-specific harvest levels for deer, but the harvest rates for the three towns that include refuge lands represent less than 1 percent of the Statewide deer harvest of more than 28,323 deer. In the three towns where refuge lands are located, 282 deer were harvested in 2019 (MDIFW 2020). We do not anticipate significant hunting pressure for deer on the refuge, as there are many other regions of the State open to hunting that support much higher densities of deer. The harvest on the refuge would have a negligible impact on the Maine deer population. Disturbance to deer in the area would occur during the hunting season, but the disturbance is considered negligible, as hunting pressure is believed to be low and deer are prone to move regularly over large areas.

Moose: Moose hunting would remain open during State seasons on the Milford Division. Only hunters with moose permits for WMD 18 would be permitted to hunt moose.

Black bear: Black bear hunting during the firearm season for white-tailed deer would continue to be allowed on all refuge lands. During the 2019 bear seasons, the Statewide harvest was 2,370 bears (MDIFW 2020).

Wild turkey: Wild turkey hunting would remain open on all Sunkhaze Meadows NWR property.

Bobcat and raccoon: Bobcat and raccoon hunting would continue to be allowed on all refuge lands. Sunkhaze Meadows NWR allows bobcat and raccoon hunting in alignment with MDIFW season, including the use of pursuit dogs. MDIFW requires the use of dogs when night hunting raccoon. In 2019, 352 bobcats were harvested in Maine by both hunters and trappers (MDIFW 2020).

Proposed Action Alternative Aligning the small game and bear hunting seasons beginning in 2021 would provide some increased opportunities for hunters on Sunkhaze Meadows NWR. However, given the current use of refuge lands by hunters and relatively low density of game species in this region of Maine, we do not anticipate a significant number of big or small game species would be harvested as a result of these changes.

Appendix B – Environmental Assessment B-8 White-tailed deer: Under this proposed action, white-tailed deer hunting opportunities on refuge lands would remain the same. Deer hunting efforts on the refuge are generally low, given the low density of deer in this region of Maine. The existing deer hunting opportunities on the refuge would have a negligible impact on the Maine deer population.

Moose: Moose hunting would remain open on the Milford Division. It is unlikely to have any impact to local or regional population due to the small numbers of the moose in this region of Maine and the historically low harvest rate.

Wild turkey: Wild turkey hunting would remain open on all refuge lands. The population of this species in central Maine is thriving and allowing hunting on refuge property during State seasons provides opportunities for hunters to harvest this big game species.

Black bear: Under this proposed action, black bear hunting would be permitted during all State seasons. It is unlikely that aligning the refuge seasons with the States would result in any additional hunting pressure on the refuge. The majority of bears harvested in Maine are taken over bait, and the Service prohibits the use of bait on refuges.

Bobcat and raccoon: Under this proposed action, bobcat and raccoon hunting opportunities would remain the same. It is unlikely that hunters pursuing these species on the refuge would have any impact on local or regional populations

Small Game (ruffed grouse, red squirrel, gray squirrel, coyote, porcupine, snowshoe hare, fox, skunk, and woodchuck) Affected Resource Description No surveys have been completed on Sunkhaze Meadows NWR to document the populations of these small game species. All species or evidence of the species have been observed on the refuge.

Table B-2. 2020-2021 Sunkhaze Meadows NWR Small Game Hunting Season Dates Small Game Species Hunting Season Daily Bag Limits Grouse September 26 through December 31 4 Gray squirrel September 26 through December 31 4 Skunk October 19 through March 31 No limit Hare September 26 through March 31 4 Fox October 19 through February 27 No limit Coyote December 16 through August 31 No limit Porcupine No closed season No limit Red squirrel No closed season No limit Woodchuck No closed season No limit

Within Maine, 1,909 coyotes and 706 foxes (red and gray) were taken during the 2019-2020 seasons by a combination of hunting and trapping (MDIFW 2020). On Sunkhaze Meadows NWR, hunters are required to use non-toxic ammunition for hunting done all migratory game birds and small game.

Appendix B – Environmental Assessment B-9 Anticipated Impacts No Action Alternative Under this alternative, small game hunting would continue on all refuge lands during State of Maine seasons. Sunkhaze Meadows NWR would continue to limit coyote, red squirrel, and woodchuck hunting to October 1 through March 31 and night hunting of coyote would be allowed. We do not anticipate that allowing the continuation of small game hunting on Sunkhaze Meadows NWR would have any effect on the Statewide or regional populations of these species.

Proposed Action Alternative Under this proposed action, hunting opportunities for small game species on Sunkhaze Meadows NWR may increase by a day or two as the refuge seasons would be in alignment with those prescribed by the State. It is unlikely that this change would result in any significant additional hunting pressure on the refuge. The 2,608 acres acquired after the approval of the original 1990 hunt plan would be open to upland game hunting.

Upland and Migratory Game Birds Affected Resource Description MDIFW works with the Service to establish hunting seasons and bag limits for migratory game bird hunting. The waterfowl season length varies based on the location in Maine, but for the Northern Zone (north of Route 9), the following 2020-2021 seasons apply:

• Ducks: September 28 through December 5 • Geese: September 1 through September 25 and October 1 through December 5 • Brant: September 28 through November 24 • Woodcock: October 1 through November 21 • Common snipe: September 1 through December 16 • Crow: August 1, 2020 through September 25, 2020, January 21, 2021 through March 31, 2021, and August 2 through September 24, 2021

During the 2018-2019 season, hunters in Maine harvested 39,400 ducks, 11,400 Canada geese and 10,700 sea ducks (MDIFW 2020).

Using lead ammunition for upland migratory bird hunting is prohibited on the refuge, and MDIFW encourages hunters to use non-toxic ammunition for all hunting. MIDFW also recently posted mitigation techniques for hunters who cannot find non-toxic ammunition. We will continue to encourage use of non-toxic ammunition and fishing tackle alongside the state, and will educate hunters and anglers about lead and impacts.

Anticipated Impacts No Action Alternative Under this alternative, upland and migratory game bird hunting would continue on all refuge lands. All Sunkhaze Meadows NWR properties would remain closed to crow hunting in an effort to minimize conflicts with other priority public uses, nesting eagles, and migratory species.

Appendix B – Environmental Assessment B-10 Proposed Action Alternative All refuge lands, including those acquired after the 1990 hunt plan approval would be open to migratory game bird hunting in alignment with the State of Maine seasons, that can vary year to year. We would continue to prohibit the hunting of crows on refuge lands. No increase in hunting pressure on these species is anticipated.

Threatened and Endangered Species and Other Special Status Species Affected Resource Description Two federally listed species may occur on or near Sunkhaze Meadows NWR: the endangered Atlantic salmon and the threatened Northern long-eared bat. The salmon listing applies to the population segment in the Penobscot River. The refuge does not own any land adjacent to the river but does have lands that are within the Penobscot River Watershed. The Northern long- eared bat has not been detected by acoustic monitoring at several locations on the Milford Division, but the refuge is within the historical range of the species. Several State-listed species nest or occur on the refuge including the endangered peregrine falcon, the threatened Eastern small-footed bat and the endangered little brown bat.

Anticipated Impacts No Action Alternative The Atlantic salmon can be found in the Penobscot River, which Sunkhaze Meadows Stream flows into. Although refuge lands in the Milford Division are within the designated critical habitat, we do not expect that hunting would have any impact on salmon habitats or populations.

The Northern long-eared bat is usually only present during the spring and summer months and move to hibernacula in early fall. They are also usually only active from dusk to dawn and are unlikely to be seen or impacted by hunters. No individuals have been detected on the refuge over the past 5 years but refuge lands are within the historic range of this species.

Proposed Action Alternative No impacts on federally or State threatened or endangered species are expected under the proposed alternative.

Other Wildlife and Aquatic Species Affected Resource Description The refuge supports a diversity of wildlife species including game and non-game species, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates, which are important contributors to the overall biodiversity of the refuge. Some songbirds, shorebirds, raptors, and waterfowl breed on the refuge, whereas others utilize the refuge during migration and wintering.

Anticipated Impacts No Action Alternative Under this alternative, the current hunt program would be maintained with a total of 11,946 acres available in the refuge to some form of hunting. This alternative currently results in some short- term but negligible negative impacts to small mammals, birds, and other wildlife due to disturbance in areas where human access for hunting activities occurs.

Appendix B – Environmental Assessment B-11 Proposed Action Alternative Hunting can have impacts on both target and non-target species. These impacts include direct mortality of individuals, changes in wildlife behavior, changes in wildlife population structure, dynamics, and distribution patterns, and disturbance from noise and hunters walking on- and off- trail (Cole and Knight 1990, Cole 1990, Bell and Austin 1985). The dense structure of the conifer forest on our mainland divisions generally limits hunting activity to existing trails and fields, which leaves large areas of refuge land undisturbed. While resident and non-game wildlife in areas newly opened to hunters and hunting may be negatively impacted by disturbance, that impact is expected to be negligible. Hunting pressure on Sunkhaze Meadows NWR’s 11,946 total acres is currently low, and we do not anticipate that opening these new properties to hunting would noticeably change the level of hunting pressure.

Vegetation Affected Resource Description Primary vegetation types in the Milford Division included: • Large peatlands (1,649 acres); • Freshwater wetlands (1,654 acres); • Northern hardwood–mixed forests (5,002 acres); and • Conifer forests (2,904 acres).

Primary vegetation types in the Benton Division included: • Northern hardwoods-mixed forest (155 acres); • Conifer forest (70 acres); • Grassland/hayfields (96 acres); and • Sedge meadow and open marsh (13 acres).

Primary vegetation types in the Sandy Stream Division included: • Riparian flood plain forest (19 acres); • Upland shrub (26 acres); and • Grassland (13 acres).

Detailed descriptions of the vegetation of each division of Sunkhaze Meadows NWR may be found in the refuge’s CCP (USFWS 2013).

Within Maine, climate change is predicted to cause unprecedented warming by the end of the 21st century, increasing temperatures during the winter months (twice as intense as the warming in the summer), increasing length of growing season, increased rates of precipitation, increased frequency of extreme precipitation events, increasing sea surface temperatures, and sea level rise. These changes will likely result to changes in the vegetation on refuge lands, with some forest types gradually disappearing and being replaced by types common in more southerly regions.

Anticipated Impacts No Action Alternative Under this alternative, the current hunt program would be maintained. We estimate that the current number of hunters comprises a small fraction of the refuge’s total visitation. No vegetation impacts due to hunting activities have been observed.

Appendix B – Environmental Assessment B-12

Proposed Action Alternative We do not anticipate any additional impacts to vegetation. Most hunting activities occur during fall, and some hunt seasons extend into winter when plants are dormant and the ground is frozen and/or covered in snow. Hunters would have minimal impacts on plants during this period. For these reasons, hunting is expected to have minimal adverse impacts on vegetation. Wetlands Affected Resource Description The Sunkhaze Meadows NWR CCP contains detailed descriptions of the peatlands and other wetlands protected by the refuge (USFWS 2013).

The Milford Division of Sunkhaze Meadows NWR contains significant peatlands and forested wetlands. The peatlands are difficult, if not impossible to walk on and the forested wetlands often have thick woody vegetation that is difficult to penetrate.

Anticipated Impacts No Action Alternative Hunters are currently permitted to access all parts of the refuge that are open to hunting, including wetland habitats. Refuge staff have not observed any adverse effects on wetland vegetation resulting from hunting activities and do not anticipate any new impacts to develop as a result of continuing to allow hunting on Sunkhaze Meadows NWR. Migratory game bird hunters are required to remove all portable or temporary blinds from the refuge at the end of each hunting day. This regulation should help reduce potential soil compaction or trampling of vegetation, as this would minimize repeated visits to the same location.

Proposed Action Alternative Sunkhaze Meadows NWR does not anticipate that opening an additional 2,608 acres to hunting would result in a significant increase in hunting on the refuge or impacts to refuge wetlands. Most of the additional areas consist of upland habitats.

Visitor Use and Experience Affected Resource Description Sunkhaze Meadows NWR is open to all six priority public uses (hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, environmental education, and interpretation), and the entire refuge is open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset.

There are 3 miles of foot trails with some boardwalks that are open for the public to walk on during the spring, summer, and fall months, and snowshoe and cross country ski during the winter months. Total visitation averages 6,200 per year, with most visits occurring during the summer and early fall. Hunting visits total approximately 995 per year, making up 16 percent of our total visitation (Refuge Annual Performance Plan). Most of Sunkhaze Meadows NWR’s public use occurs on the designated trails. Non-consumptive visitors to the refuge are thought to have a greater impact on refuge resources (i.e. soil compaction, erosion, wildlife disturbance) than hunters. This is based on staff observations that most visitors are participating in non- consumptive uses of the refuge

Appendix B – Environmental Assessment B-13 Anticipated Impacts No Action Alternative Sunkhaze Meadows NWR has taken steps to minimize potential conflicts between non- consumptive refuge visitors and hunters. The majority of refuge visitation occurs on the Milford Division trails.

Non-hunters may observe hunters entering and exiting the refuge on the same trails where hiking is allowed on the refuge. It is possible that non-hunting visitors would feel uncomfortable seeing hunters on the refuge trails. Information is posted on kiosks and refuge websites to alert non- hunters of hunting activity and recommend wearing blaze orange while walking the trails during hunting season.

Proposed Action Alternative We do not anticipate that the proposed changes to the Sunkhaze Meadows NWR Hunt Plan would result in an increase in the number of hunters using refuge lands. Our refuge-specific hunting regulations were developed to minimize potential conflict between user groups on the refuge. We do not anticipate that many other refuge visitors would be utilizing these areas during the fall and winter months when hunting seasons are open. We do not anticipate a significant increase in the number of hunters coming to Sunkhaze Meadows NWR to hunt, given the low game densities and harvest rates for this region in recent years (MDIFW 2018). Therefore, we do not anticipate an increased level of conflict between hunters and non-consumptive users of the refuge.

Cultural Resources Affected Resource Description Archaeological investigations in areas surrounding the Sunkhaze Meadows Unit indicate that activities relating to travel, hunting, fishing, fortifications, and group gatherings all likely occurred within today’s boundaries of the Sunkhaze Meadows Unit (Robinson 2011). The identification of archaeological sites adjacent to the waterways at the refuge suggests that Sunkhaze Meadows NWR waterways were heavily used throughout prehistory. Land adjacent to Sunkhaze Meadows contains archaeological deposits of American eel, white perch, and bullhead dating to 8,500 before common era (Robinson 2011).

For a more detailed discussion on the cultural resources and history of Sunkhaze Meadows NWR, see Chapter 2 of the refuge’s CCP (USFWS 2013).

Anticipated Impacts No Action Alternative Given our current knowledge about the cultural resources on refuge lands, we do not anticipate any adverse impacts would occur under this alternative.

Proposed Action Alternative We do not anticipate that the minor changes to the hunting program would result in an increase in the number of hunters using refuge lands nor result in any impacts to any cultural resources that may be present on refuge lands.

Appendix B – Environmental Assessment B-14 Refuge Management and Operations Affected Resource Description Sunkhaze Meadows NWR is an unstaffed refuge that is administered as part of the Northern Maine NWRC by staff at the Moosehorn NWR in Calais, Maine. Law enforcement coverage is provided by the Federal Wildlife Officer stationed at the Maine Coastal Islands NWRC in Rockport, Maine.

Refuge volunteers and members of the Friends Group help refuge staff by stocking kiosks with hunt brochures and other refuge leaflets and alerting Moosehorn NWR staff of any problems they observe.

There are about 4 miles of gravel roads on the Milford Division that provide management access to the refuge interior. These roads are gated to control access and prevent illegal uses such as dumping of trash. There are 3 miles of trails with some boardwalks that provide access to refuge visitors for wildlife observation, photography, and general appreciation of nature. Public use facilities include kiosks at trailheads, interpretive signs along some trails, parking lots and an observation deck.

The current Northern Maine NWRC staff consists of five permanent full-time positions, and during the summer months, the refuge usually hosts a 6- to 8-enrollee Youth Conservation Corps program and between two and five interns.

Anticipated Impacts No Action Alternative The pubic hunting program at Sunkhaze Meadows NWR would continue to be administered by Complex staff at Moosehorn NWR. Maps of hunt areas and regulations are now available online, reducing the need for printed brochures. Administration of the hunting program is within the budget of the Northern Maine NWRC.

Current levels of hunting are manageable within the Complex’s infrastructure, staffing, and budget. The refuge manager coordinates the budget each year to ensure funds are available, and the estimated cost to run the current hunt program is $11,850, most of which is for law enforcement.

Proposed Action Alternative Since the proposed changes to the hunting program are minor adjustments, we do not anticipate an increased number of hunters using the refuge. These changes would not result in any significant increases in the annual costs to administer the program. A detailed cost breakdown can be found in the Sunkhaze Meadows NWR Hunt Plan and Compatibility Determination.

Socioeconomics and Environmental Justice Affected Resource Description From an economic perspective, Sunkhaze Meadows NWR provides a variety of environmental and natural resource goods and services used by people either directly or indirectly. Spending in the general area of the three divisions supports economic activity in central Maine. Refuge staff do not have any specific information on the number of hunters that engage in hunting activities

Appendix B – Environmental Assessment B-15 on the refuge. Based on staff observations and the relative low density of game species in this region, we assume that hunting activity on the refuge is very low.

Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations, requires all Federal agencies to incorporate environmental justice into their missions by identifying and addressing disproportionately high or adverse human health or environmental effects of their programs and policies on minorities and low-income populations and communities.

Anticipated Impacts No Action Alternative We do not anticipate that this alternative would have any significant effect on the socioeconomic resources in this region.

Proposed Action Alternative We do not anticipate that implementing this proposed action would result in a significant increase in either consumptive or non-consumptive use of the refuge. Within the State of Maine, millions of acres of habitat are open for hunting, and often provide higher densities of game species than can be found on the refuge. Therefore, we do not foresee a significant impact on the local economy resulting from this action.

The Service has not identified any potential high and adverse environmental or human health impacts from this proposed action or any of the alternatives. The Service has identified no minority or low-income communities within the impact area. Minority or low-income communities would not be disproportionately affected by any impacts from this proposed action or any of the alternatives.

Monitoring Many game species populations are monitored by MDIFW through field surveys and game harvest reports, which provide a means for monitoring wildlife populations and harvest levels. The State has determined that populations of game species are at levels acceptable to support hunting and these assessments are reviewed and adjusted periodically. The refuge will be adaptive towards harvest management under the hunt program to ensure species and habitat health. Refuge-specific hunting regulations may be altered to achieve species-specific harvest objectives in the future.

Summary of Analysis No Action Alternative There would be no additional costs to the refuge under this alternative. There would be no change to the current public use and wildlife management programs on the refuge. The refuge would not change its impact on the economy and would not provide new hunting and access opportunities. This alternative has the least impact on physical and biological resources. In addition, this alternative would minimize our mandates under the NWRSAA and Secretarial Order 3356.

Appendix B – Environmental Assessment B-16 Proposed Action Alternative This alternative is the Service’s proposed action because it offers the best opportunity for public hunting and increased public access, would result in a minimal impact on physical and biological resources, and meets the Service’s mandates under the NWRSAA and Secretarial Order 3356. The Service believes that hunting on the refuge would not have a significant impact on local or regional wildlife populations because the percentage likely to be harvested on the refuge, though possibly additive to existing hunting takes, would be a tiny fraction of the statewide harvest and estimated population levels. Additional hunting would not add to the impacts to wildlife from hunting at the local or regional levels, and is not expected to cause negative impacts to wildlife populations.

List of Sources, Agencies and Persons Consulted Refuge staff consulted with Mark McCollough, Endangered Species Biologist, Maine Field Office, USFWS regarding the need for a Section 7 Consultation for the northern long-eared bat.

List of Preparers Maurice Mills, Jr., Wildlife Biologist, USFWS, Northern Maine NWRC Ray Brown, Supervisory Wildlife Biologist, USFWS, Northern Maine NWRC Keith Ramos, Project Leader, USFWS, Northern Maine NWRC Wilson Darbin, Visitor Services Assistant Laura Howard, Visitor Services Assistant Thomas Bonetti, Regional Hunting and Fishing Coordinator Stacey Lowe, Regional Hunting and Fishing Chief

State Coordination National wildlife refuges, including Sunkhaze Meadows NWR, conduct hunting programs within the framework of State and Federal regulations. The refuge has moved forward with developing this hunting plan based upon earlier formal coordination with the MDIFW as well as the intervening informal discussions.

In developing this plan, Sunkhaze Meadows NWR reviewed hunting regulations for the State of Maine to find consistency where possible. On August 20, 2020, refuge leadership and Sunkhaze Meadows NWR staff met with James Connolly, Kelsey Sullivan, and Steve Dunham from MDIFW to discuss proposed changes to Sunkhaze Meadows NWR hunting plans.

Refuge staff will continue to consult and coordinate with MDIFW to maintain consistent regulations and programs, monitor populations of proposed hunt species, and set harvest goals. We will work together to ensure safe and enjoyable recreational hunting opportunities with law enforcement officers from both agencies working together to conduct patrols, safeguard hunters and visitors, and protect both game and non-game species. This EA will be shared with MDIFW.

Tribal Consultation The Penobscot Nation will be contacted once this hunting plan goes to public comment. There is one reservation within the vicinity of the refuge.

Appendix B – Environmental Assessment B-17 Public Outreach This EA is part of the Sunkhaze Meadows NWR Hunting Plan, with accompanying CD. The plan was coordinated with all interested and/or affected parties, including MDIFW staff. The public will be notified of the availability of the draft Hunting Plan, EA, and CD with no less than a 30-day review and comment period. We will inform the public through local venues, the refuge website, and social media.

The refuge maintains a mailing list, for news release purposes, to local newspapers, radio, and websites. Special announcements and articles may be issued in conjunction with hunting seasons. In addition, information about the hunt will be available on the Sunkhaze Meadows NWR website, the Northern Maine NWRC Facebook page, and from the Northern Maine NWRC Office. Brochures with Hunt Area maps and regulations are available at kiosks located at trailhead parking areas on the Milford Division of the refuge.

Maps and regulations are also available from the Service’s Hunting Information Website “Find Your Hunt” at: https://www.fws.gov/refuges/hunting/map/ and from the Sunkhaze Meadows Visitor Activities page of the refuge website at: https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Region_5/NWRS/North_Zone/Sunkhaze_Meadows/PDFs/S unkhaze%20Hunt%20Regs2015_2016.pdf.

Determination This section will be filled out upon completion of the public comment period and at the time of finalization of the Environmental Assessment.

☐ The Service’s action will not result in a significant impact on the quality of the human environment. See the attached “Finding of No Significant Impact”.

☐ The Service’s action may significantly affect the quality of the human environment and the Service will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement.

Preparer Signature: ______Date:______

Name/Title/Organization: ______

______

Reviewer Signature: ______Date:______

Name/Title: ______

Appendix B – Environmental Assessment B-18 References

Bell, D.V. and Austin, L.W. 1985. The game-fishing season and its effects on overwintering wildfowl. Biological Conservation, 33, 65-80.

Cole, D.N. 1990. Ecological impacts of wilderness recreation and their management. In J.C. Hendee, G.H. Stankey, and R.C. Lucas (Eds.), Wilderness Management (pp. 425-466). Golden, CO: North American Press.

Cole, D.N. and Knight, R.L. 1990. Impacts of recreation on biodiversity in wilderness. Natural Resources and Environmental Issues, 0, 33-40.

MDIFW. 2018. Wildlife Research and Management Report, 2018. Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Augusta, ME, 105 pp.

MDIFW. 2020. 2019-20 Research and Management Report, Game Species Conservation and Management, 2020. Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Augusta, ME, 49 pp.

MDIFW. 2020. Harvest Information. Available online at: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/hunting- trapping/harvest-information.html.

Robinson, B. 2011. Cultural Resource Opportunities of the Sunkhaze Meadows. Preliminary Comments for the Sunkhaze Meadows NWR and Carlton Pond WPA Comprehensive Conservation Plan. Anthropology Deparhnent. University of Maine. Orono, Maine. 8 pp

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2013. Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and Carlton Pond Waterfowl Production Area Comprehensive Conservation Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hadley, MA.

OTHER APPLICABLE STATUTES, EXECUTIVE ORDERS AND REGULATIONS

Cultural Resources • American Indian Religious Freedom Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 1996 – 1996a; 43 CFR Part 7. • Antiquities Act of 1906, 16 U.S.C. 431-433; 43 CFR Part 3. • Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979, 16 U.S.C. 470aa – 470mm; 18 CFR Part 1312; 32 CFR Part 229; 36 CFR Part 296; 43 CFR Part 7. • National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 470-470x-6; 36 CFR Parts 60, 63, 78, 79, 800, 801, and 810. • Paleontological Resources Protection Act, 16 U.S.C. 470aaa – 470aaa-11. • Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, 25 U.S.C. 3001-3013; 43 CFR Part 10. • Executive Order 11593 – Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment, 36 Fed. Reg. 8921 (1971).

Appendix B – Environmental Assessment B-19 Fish and Wildlife • Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 668-668c, 50 CFR 22. • Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1531-1544; 36 CFR Part 13; 50 CFR Parts 10, 17, 23, 81, 217, 222, 225, 402, and 450. • Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, 16 U.S.C. 742 a-m. • Lacey Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.; 15 CFR Parts 10, 11, 12, 14, 300, and 904. • Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 703-712; 50 CFR Parts 10, 12, 20, and 21. • Executive Order 13186 – Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds, 66 Fed. Reg. 3853 (2001).

Natural Resources • Clean Air Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 7401-7671q; 40 CFR Parts 23, 50, 51, 52, 58, 60, 61, 82, and 93; 48 CFR Part 23. • Wilderness Act, 16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq. • Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, 16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq. • Executive Order 13112 – Invasive Species, 64 Fed. Reg. 6183 (1999).

Water Resources • Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, 16 U.S.C.1451 et seq.; 15 CFR Parts 923, 930, 933. • Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 (commonly referred to as Clean Water Act), 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.; 33 CFR Parts 320-330; 40 CFR Parts 110, 112, 116, 117, 230-232, 323, and 328. • Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, as amended, 33 U.S.C. 401 et seq.; 33 CFR Parts 114, 115, 116, 321, 322, and 333.Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, 42 U.S.C. 300f et seq.; 40 CFR Parts 141-148. • Executive Order 11988 – Floodplain Management, 42 Fed. Reg. 26951 (1977). • Executive Order 11990 – Protection of Wetlands, 42 Fed. Reg. 26961 (1977).

Appendix B – Environmental Assessment B-20