Connecting You to Life Outdoors

New Hampshire Fish and Game Department

Biennial Report July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2011

Pursuant to RSA 206:9-a Submitted October 1, 2009

New Hampshire Fish and Game Department 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H. 03301 (603) 271-3511 email: [email protected] www.wildnh.com z State of New Hampshire

John H. Lynch Governor

EXECUTIVE COUNCILORS

Raymond S. Burton District 1

Daniel St. Hilaire District 2

Christopher T. Sununu District 3

Raymond J. Wieczorek District 4

David K. Wheeler District 5

As of 6/30/11

2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT October 1, 2011

His Excellency, Governor John H. Lynch and the Honorable Council State House, 25 Capitol Street Concord, New Hampshire 03301

Dear Governor Lynch and Honorable Members of the Council:

In accordance with RSA 206:9-a, I am pleased to submit the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Biennial Report for July 1, 2009 – June 30, 2011. The Department takes the lead role in conserving fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats – keeping the state’s wildlife and fish populations in a healthy balance and conserving wild places. These natural resources enrich our quality of life and support New Hampshire’s economy; fish and wildlife-related recreational activities produce more than $560 million in expenditures annually. During the biennium, the Department has enthusiastically embraced an ongoing management initiative, “Adapting to Changing Times,” to ensure that it can keep pace and remain relevant throughout the 21st century. This is a sweeping effort to examine current activities, conduct a stakeholder analysis, and broaden support for the Department’s programs among the wider public that benefits from its services. These efforts are critical because demand continues to grow for the wide range of services our self-funded agency provides to New Hampshire citizens, from rescuing hikers to raising fish, protecting endangered wildlife, and educating a new generation of conservationists. The state’s fish and wildlife resources face ever-increasing threats associated with human population growth. While operational costs continue to rise and we meet new demands along with ongoing responsibilities, our staff has been pared back and our traditional revenue source – hunting and fishing license fees – remains flat. Another significant funding source – federal funds for work conserving nongame and endangered wildlife and habitats – lacks dedicated funding at the federal level and remains at risk. In spite of limited resources and aging equipment, Fish and Game has met recent budget challenges through belt-tightening, careful management and seeking new revenue sources. We have continued to foster support from our nonprofit partner, the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire, and implemented a new saltwater recreational fishing license in January of 2011 (without which saltwater anglers would have had to pay a federal fee). Nonetheless, as the FY 10-11 biennium closed, and going forward, the fish and game fund reserve is being slowly depleted, adding urgency to our efforts to explore ways to invest the wider public in supporting the agency that is working every day to help connect them to life outdoors.

Respectfully submitted,

Glenn Normandeau Executive Director

2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT Unless otherwise noted, all photos are New Hampshire Fish and Game staff photos.

2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT Contents z

Organization and Function...... 6

Major Divisions...... 6

PERSONNEL DATA...... 9

PHYSICAL PLANT AND PROPERTY APPRAISAL...... 9

MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS...... 11

2010 LEGISLATIVE SESSION ...... 18

2011 LEGISLATIVE SESSION...... 19

RECOMMENDATIONS...... 21

FEDERAL AID IN SPORT FISH AND WILDLIFE RESTORATION pROGRAM...... 26

Appendix...... 27 Fish and Game Commission...... 28 Executive Director’s Office...... 32 Business Division...... 38 Facilities and Lands Division...... 42 Inland Fisheries Division...... 50 Law Enforcement Division...... 60 MARINE Division...... 70 PUBLIC AFFAIRS Division...... 78 Wildlife Division...... 90 eMPLOYEES WHO LEFT SERVICE, RETIRED oR TRANSFERRED DURING THE BIEUNIUIM...... 102

2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT z Organization and Function

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department was established on June 30, 1865, as the Fisheries Commission. It was reorganized in its Tcurrent format in 1935 in accordance with R.L. 240:1 (RSA 206:1), which states that: “There shall be a Fish and Game Department under a Com- mission to be known as the Fish and Game Commission.”

New Hampshire Fish and Game Commission Commission members are appointed by the Governor and Executive Council. There are 11 members, one from each county in the state, plus one representing the coastal area. No more than six commissioners can be members of the same The Mission of the political party. Commission members must be well informed on the subject of New Hampshire fish and wildlife. Their duty is to represent the citizens of New Hampshire and be the stewards of the fish, wildlife and marine resources of the State of New Fish and Game Hampshire and to set general policy for: conservation of wildlife; development, Department: funding and implementation of a strategic plan for the operation of the Depart- ment; acquisition and development of public access to lands and waters; public as the guardian of the education and building support for Department programs; and establishment of state’s fish, wildlife and marine positions on proposed legislation that affects the Department and fish, wildlife resources, the New Hampshire and marine resources. Fish and Game Department works in partnership with the Office of the Executive Director public to: The Fish and Game Executive Director has general supervision and control of • conserve, manage and protect those resources and all activities, functions and employees of the New Hampshire Fish and Game their habitats; Department and enforces all provisions of state laws relating to fish, wildlife and marine resources. The Executive Director is nominated by the Commis- • inform and educate the sion and appointed by the Governor and Executive Council. Each candidate public about those resources; and must be a competent administrator and have knowledge of, and experience in, the requirements for the protection, conservation and restoration of the fish and • to provide the public with wildlife resources of the state. The Executive Director serves for a term of four opportunities to use and years. appreciate those resources.

The Office of the Executive Director oversees budget development and over- sight and coordination of federal aid, rules and legislation, environmental review and personnel administration. Within the Director’s office, the Landowner Relations Program works in partnership with hunters, anglers and landowners to maintain access to private lands for hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation. This program identifies issues and concerns that landowners face in keeping their properties open, and works proactively to address them. The Director’s office also serves as the liaison with the nonprofit Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire.

Major Divisions The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department carries out its mission through the work of seven divisions: Business, Facilities and Lands, Inland Fisheries, Law Enforcement, Marine Fisheries, Public Affairs and Wildlife.

The Business Division facilitates all business functions for the Department, including preparation and submission of the biennial budget. It is responsible

2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT Organization and Function z for issuing and collecting the revenue from the sale of fishing and hunting licenses and associated permits, as well as the processing of all accounts pay- able, accounts receivable, cash management, Federal and other grants financial management, and inventory control. Division staff supervise the purchase of all equipment, materials and supplies and coordinate all contracts. The Busi- ness Division also oversees fleet management and manages the Off-Highway Recreational Vehicle registration program. Division staff interact daily with other state agencies and provide all shipping and receiving functions, mail and courier duties for the Department.

The Facilities and Lands Division is responsible for the management and maintenance of all Fish and Game properties statewide, including approximately 160 buildings, 140 boat ramps, 130 dams, and more than 72,100 acres of Wildlife Management Areas and conservation easements. The Division also provides the design and construction of boating access facilities, fabrication of information kiosks and portable sanitary facilities. The “Lands” side of the division negotiates land and habitat acquisitions and manages conservation easement areas.

The Inland Fisheries Division is responsible for all freshwater fish within state and interstate waters. Fisheries biologists and fish culturists work to

NEW HAMPSHIRE FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT

2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT z Organization and Function

protect and restore fish resources and aquatic habitat and to provide New Hampshire anglers with a diversity of fishing opportunities. This Division is responsible for operating Fish and Game’s six fish hatcheries, which during the biennium produced more than a million fish each year to meet a variety of management needs.

The Law Enforcement Division is primarily responsible for enforcement of all laws and rules pertaining to fish, wildlife and marine resources. Conservation officers prosecute all of their own cases involving offenders of wildlife law. By law, they also are responsible for search-and-rescue operations and for enforcing snowmobile and off-highway recreational vehicle (OHRV) regulations.

The Marine Fisheries Division manages estuarine and saltwater species, including fish, lobsters, clams and oysters. The Division also manages the Great Bay Estuarine Research Reserve and the Great Bay Discovery Center. Its staff works closely with other states and federal agencies to protect and maintain marine resources for both commercial and recreational fisheries.

The Public Affairs Division informs and educates, building public support for conservation and the Department’s mission and encouraging participation in hunting, angling and other outdoor activities. The Division provides information through its website and a wide variety of publications, including New Hampshire Wildlife Journal magazine, as well as television, radio, videos, advertising, exhibits, media relations, shows/events and marketing. Its educational programs include: hunter, bowhunter and trapper education; Let’s Go Fishing and watershed education; wildlife education and teacher training; and a variety of workshops for the public, such as hunting and fishing talks, hands- on workshops for hunters and anglers, and Becoming an Outdoors-Woman programs.

The Wildlife Division manages and maintains the state’s game and nongame species at levels consistent with available habitat and public desires. Wildlife biologists conduct surveys to monitor populations; promulgate hunting regulations to balance competing public interests; oversee applied research; and conduct intensive restoration efforts. Division staff protect, restore and actively manage wildlife habitat on public lands throughout the state and work with private landowners to enhance, protect and manage wildlife habitat. The Division works closely with U.S. Department of Agriculture-Wildlife Services staff to prevent or reduce wildlife damage to orchards, agricultural lands and other private property. Division staff also provide technical assistance to local, regional and statewide planning boards to minimize the impact of development on New Hampshire’s wildlife resources.

2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT Organization and Function z

PERSONNEL DATA

Current Number of Employees 6/30/10 6/30/11

Unclassified 1 1 Classified 190 190 Temporary* 5 0 Total 196 191

*Permanent employees are those occupying positions permanently established by the Legislature, whereas temporary employees are those whose service is authorized for a limited or intermittent period.

PHYSICAL PLANT AND PROPERTY APPRAISAL

6/30/10 6/30/11 Equipment $10,850,295 $10,948,183 Physical Plant $88,986,205 $89,141,820 Farm 0 0 Highway 0 0 TOTAL $99,836,500 $100,090,003

RECEIPTS Tax Collections 0 0 Federal Funds $ 7,266,274 $ 7,937,114 Fees and Registrations 12,018,108 12,514,593 All Other Sources 7,459,130 8,257,966 TOTAL $26,743,512 $28,709,673

EXPENDITURES Permanent Personnel $ 8,890,378 9,096,676 Current Expense 2,649,300 2,612,534 Equipment 394,980 496,442 Other Personnel Service 977,901 1,059,169 Benefits 4,757,233 5,021,919 Travel In-state 317,851 369,250 Travel Out-of-state 43,845 42,665 Transfers to Other State Agencies 3,788,974 4,455,952 Retirees’ Health Insurance 886,305 744,810 Contractual and Consultants 1,735,650 1,593,064 Grants 330,452 1,312,162 Interagency Transfers 1,119,613 1,198,423 Miscellaneous 851,030 706,607 TOTAL $26,743,512 $28,709,673

Undesignated Fish and Game Fund Balance $5,031,462 $4,289,269* *Preliminary/Unaudited

Statement of sales or exchanges (promotional expenditures) related to licenses:

During the biennium, 19 nonresident honorary licenses were issued in 2009, and 25 were issued in 2010.

2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT 10 2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT Major Accomplishments z

Business Division Online sales of hunting • Effectively managed the complex finances of the New Hampshire Fish and and fishing licenses Game Department, a self-supporting agency with an intricate network of and permits continued funding sources. to represent a large • Online sales of hunting and fishing licenses and permits continued to repre- portion of sales, sent a large proportion of sales, improving cost efficiency for the Department improving cost and enhancing convenience for consumers. At least 40% of license sales efficiency for the were purchased online during the biennium. Department and • Coped with loss of personnel due to budget cutbacks, a development that enhancing has significantly impacted division staff capacity to deal with an increasing convenience for workload. consumers. • Implemented the state’s new accounting system NHFIRST (New Hampshire Fundamental Improvements to Revitalize Systems/Services Technology) at Fish and Game. • Hired a full-time mechanic to cut down on the staggeringly high cost of outsourcing Department vehicle maintenance and repair services.

Executive Director’s Office The Wildlife Heritage • Administered 66 separate Federal Assistance grants and cooperative agree- Foundation of New ments totaling $15 million. These funds were awarded from three Depart- ments of the Federal government through 15 different funding programs. Hampshire provided over $86,000 of financial • Through the Landowner Relations Program, secured hunter access to over assistance in support 46,000 acres of private land through the Operation Land Share Hunter Access Project. of nine critical Fish and Game programs • Maintained pheasant hunter access to 25 sites through the Pheasant Hunter Landowner Relations Project and maintained turkey hunter access through the Turkey Hunter Landowner Relations Project. • Restored, maintained and enhanced angler access to 2½ miles of the Cocheco River through the Cocheco River Angler Access Project. • Developed the Ice Fishing Access Project, focused on maintaining and enhancing access for ice fishing. • Human Resources continued its work with the Division of Personnel and other state agencies on the Work Force Development initiative, culminating in the second annual Work Force Development Symposium, held on October 15, 2010. • Through the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire: - Provided over $86,000 of financial assistance in support of nine critical Fish and Game programs. - Received donations from the Barry Camp Challenge in order to fund camp facility improvements and establish an endowment to fund future operations and maintenance. - Provided major financial support for expansion of Owl Brook Hunter Education Center, Great Bay Discovery Center and Operation Land Share.

2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT 11 z Major Accomplishments

Fish and Game acquired Facilities and Lands Division 2,551.57 acres of land • Developed a comprehensive new lands database that includes all Fish and for conservation, and Game-owned facilities, a tool that enhances management of land use and an additional 719.08 monitoring of conservation easements. acres for wildlife • Engineering staff created building inventory forms and distributed to all habitat in FY 2010. divisions for easier reporting and tracking of maintenance needs. • Acquired 2,551.57 acres of land for conservation, and an additional 719.08 acres for wildlife habitat in FY 2010. • Construction staff built the Purity Pond Carry-down Boat Access in Eaton, with timber and gravel steps to the innovative stone landing mattress for canoes and kayaks, and an environmentally friendly parking area. • Reconstructed the Lake Umbagog Public Boat Access Facility in Errol with new 3-foot-wide concrete planks and gravel parking for 20 trailered vehicles. • Refurbished the Beaver Lake Public Boat Access Facility in Derry. • Reconstructed and improved the boat access to Merrymeeting Lake. • Reconstructed the town dock at Bow Lake. • Completed a pipeline consolidation project at the Twin Mountain Fish Hatch- ery and installed a composite sampler building for environmental monitoring and compliance. • Replaced the boat access to the Winnipesaukee River in Northfield. • Completed improvement of the Weeks Wildlife Management Area in Greenland. • Designed and managed improvements to the Region 3 Office and the Great Bay Discovery Center. • With assistance from other divisions, enhanced Fish and Game headquarters grounds, including tree removal, constructing a new lawn and planting beds, and installation of a timber guardrail; repaired the garage roof and painted siding of the garage and cold storage buildings.

Fish Culturists Inland Fisheries Division produced 978,236 • With the completion of the Pipeline Discharge Consolidation Projects, all six pounds of fish and fish culture facilities are National Pollution Discharge Elimination System distributed 3.3 million Permit compliant. trout and landlocked • Fish Culturists produced 978,236 pounds of fish and distributed 3.3 million salmon to meet trout and landlocked salmon to meet management needs. management needs. • A summer-long study was performed in 2009 to estimate the population size of black bass in Clement Pond, Grassy Pond, Gregg Lake and Warren Lake; study results supported these waters being managed (effective 2011) for quality black bass, via a winter slot-length limit. • As a partner of a sixteen-state effort to implement the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture’s conservation action plan, 280 stream sites were surveyed in New Hampshire and 139 of these sites had self-sustaining populations of brook trout populations.

12 2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT Major Accomplishments z

• The Landlocked Salmon Anglers’ Pledge was initiated as a cooperative, The Landlocked Salmon volunteer effort to help sustain the quality of the landlocked salmon fisheries Anglers’ Pledge was in New Hampshire’s large lakes. Anglers who take the Pledge are commit- initiated as a ting to stewardship principles that lead to “conserving this unique fishery cooperative, volunteer through responsible angling.” effort to help sustain • Coordinated over 314 fish surveys to add to a statewide fish database, includ- the quality of the ing 3.5 miles of previously unmapped American brook lamprey (state endan- landlocked salmon gered) habitat and 400 acres of bridle shiner (state threatened) habitat. fisheries in • Two significant dams were removed, three impassable culverts were replaced New Hampshire’s with bridges in the Nash Stream Watershed, two miles of instream habitat have been restored in Nash Stream, and ongoing research continues to more large lakes. clearly define the role of instream wood and riparian forests to sustainable, healthy populations of wild brook trout.

Public Affairs Division • Completed comprehensive re-design of the Fish and Game website at www.wildnh.com. • As part of agency-wide Social Media Team, N.H. Fish and Game launched a popular Facebook presence at www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame. • Coordinated teacher professional development activities, including workshops and summer institutes, to help teachers build science literacy and develop the ability to do field investigations. As part of agency-wide • Produced over 28,000 copies of Discover Wild Times and distributed them Social Media Team, directly to classrooms around the state twice a year. N.H. Fish and Game • Barry Conservation Camp reopened with upgraded facilities, thanks to the launched a popular efforts of hundreds of dedicated sportsmen and women who have donated Facebook presence at time, money and materials. The camp’s 25th anniversary was celebrated in www.facebook.com/ June 2011. nhfishandgame. • Reached an estimated 96,000 people with Fish and Game information and messages over the biennium through 43 public events, including shows, seminars and other face-to-face interactions. License sales and merchandise sales at shows totaled $25,977 and $18,288 respectively, for a total of $44,265 in gross sales over the biennium. • Broadcast New Hampshire hunting, fishing, and wildlife watching-associated television programming to more than 250 million households in the Boston- NH market to recruit and retain hunters and anglers and build support from new outdoor constituents through two Fish and Game television programs. The “My Outdoors” television program was broadcast via WZMY-TV in Derry, N.H., and “Granite State Outdoors” was broadcast through 32 New Hampshire community TV access stations. Through these two programs, the Department broadcast 976 hours of Fish and Game programming and on-air promotions over the biennium. The Department’s net earned advertising value over the biennium for these broadcasts exceeded $160,000.

2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT 13 z Major Accomplishments

Conservation Officers Law Enforcement Division participated in 314 • During this biennium, the Law Enforcement Division participated in 314 Search and Rescue Search and Rescue (SAR) missions for a wide variety of victims, including missions for a wide hikers, snowmobilers, elderly people and children. Of these, 17 dive recov- variety of victims, ery missions were conducted for people who drowned on New Hampshire’s including hikers, lakes and rivers. snowmobilers, • Completed training for officers in GPS and ground navigation, Maptech elderly people and computer use to aid in conducting search missions, High Angle Rescue, High Water Rescue techniques, and Avalanche Terrain Navigation and Rescue children. techniques. • Conducted first-ever concentrated one-week Warden’s School to provide newly hired law enforcement trainees with training in search-and-rescue techniques, navigation, water craft use, coastal marine enforcement and conducting hunting-related shooting investigations. • Continued to promote and receive endorsements for the hikeSafe educational program, in an effort to help educate the outdoor recreating public. This biennium, the hikeSafe program was adopted and endorsed by Baxter State Park in Maine and the Adirondack Mountain Club in upstate New York. • Coordinated over 330 volunteer OHRV and snowmobile instructors who, along with part-time OHRV Regional Coordinators, conduct safety classes across the state with the assistance of local clubs, police/fire agencies and volunteers. • Continued snowmobile enforcement efforts to control excessive speed and modified exhausts while working cooperatively with landowners and snowmobile clubs to keep the trails safe. • Conducted ATV and trail bike enforcement patrols during the warmer months to address landowner complaints of unlawful operation off approved trails.

Operated and Marine Division monitored fish ladders Management and Resource Monitoring on six coastal rivers • Worked with federal and state partners via the New England Fishery Man- to provide access to agement Council and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to rebuild freshwater spawning groundfish stocks, enhance habitat and protect and improve species such as Atlantic herring, striped bass and lobster. habitat for more than 180,000 • Operated and monitored fish ladders on six coastal rivers to provide access to freshwater spawning habitat for more than 180,000 diadromous fish. diadromous fish. • Worked with other government agencies and conservation partners to remove the Winnicut River head-of-tide dam, making this the only unobstructed river from headwaters to tidewater in Great Bay. • Conducted resource surveys in New Hampshire’s coastal and estuarine waters to monitor the abundance of more than 60 species of marine fish and invertebrates. • Monitored the harvest of lobsters, striped bass and other marine species in New Hampshire by recreational and commercial harvesters.

14 2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT Major Accomplishments z

• Continued participation in the Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership, The newly created which aims to accelerate the conservation, protection, restoration and Special Collections enhancement of habitat for coastal, estuarine and diadromous fish species. Room at the Hugh Gregg Great Bay Research Reserve Coastal Conservation • Secured National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) fund- Center, features ing for a new metal roof with integrated photovoltaic and thermal systems to artifacts related to replace the existing asphalt roof on the Great Bay Discovery Center, which hunting, fishing and will significantly reduce energy costs in operating the facility. trapping in the • Designed and installed exhibits in the newly created Special Collections Seacoast. Room at the Hugh Gregg Coastal Conservation Center, featuring artifacts related to hunting, fishing and trapping in the Seacoast. • Conducted school programs for over 7,000 students in Grades 1-5. • Created a new web page for the Reserve program (www.greatbay.org). • Established a Seacoast-wide Climate Adaptation Workgroup to assist coastal communities in dealing with climate change impacts. • Developed a vertical control plan for the Reserve to monitor long-term environmental changes.

Wildlife Division Biological data were Game Program collected at registration • Deer, moose, bear, turkey, waterfowl and migratory game birds, and multiple stations on nearly furbearer and small game species were successfully managed and sustained 12,000 deer; in accordance with the public’s desire for multiple values on behalf of pres- 9,200 wild turkeys; ent and future New Hampshire citizens. 1,460 black bears; and • Implemented research studies in partnership with the University of New 640 moose. Hampshire (UNH) on the survival, activity patterns and behavior of relo- cated nuisance bears and rehabilitated cubs, and the value of local ordinances designed to discourage bear/human conflicts. • Initiated cooperative research with UNH to evaluate the current fertility and fawn production of New Hampshire’s deer and possible implications for deer management. • Completed the second year of a four-year study on bobcats and wrapped up research on moose/tick relationships and moose impacts on forest regeneration. USDA Wildlife Services worked in cooperation with the Wildlife Divi- sion to initiate preliminary data-gathering on feral hogs in New Hampshire. • Fish and Game’s cooperative animal damage control project with USDA Wildlife Services, handled over 4,100 inquiries and requests for technical assistance. • Annual statewide grouse, woodcock, waterfowl, turkey, furbearer, deer and dove surveys were completed and biological data were collected at registration stations on nearly 12,000 deer; 9,200 wild turkeys; 1,460 black bears; and 640 moose.

2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT 15 z Major Accomplishments

Nongame biologists Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program continued to closely • Nongame Program and UNH Cooperative Extension staff provided eight monitor bat populations Wildlife Action Plan workshops, presentations, events, displays, and techni- in New Hampshire as cal assistance to the public. White Nose Syndrome • Nongame biologists continued to coordinate the Rangewide New England continued to spread, Cottontail Initiative, an effort that spanned six New England states during killing bats throughout 2009-2011. the Northeast. • Nongame biologists continued to closely monitor bat populations in New Hampshire as White Nose Syndrome continued to spread, killing bats throughout the Northeast. • Over 1,200 individual RAARP reports (reptiles and amphibians) were submitted, including more than 170 reports of species listed in the N.H. Wildlife Action Plan as species of greatest conservation need. • Nongame biologists surveyed 17 sites across central and southwestern N.H., focusing on areas that historically supported timber rattlesnake populations or could potentially be occupied by timber rattlesnakes. • Potential habitat maps were generated for black racer snakes, and sites were identified and prioritized for surveys. • Twenty locations for Blanding’s turtles were surveyed to identify the best remaining habitat areas in New Hampshire, so that priority areas for this state-endangered turtle can be incorporated into conservation planning. • Over 5,300 proposed projects (from energy production to transportation) were checked for the presence of rare species; of these, more than 575 were flagged as having potential impacts to rare, threatened or endangered wildlife and were reviewed by Fish and Game.

Habitat Program • Timber cutting operations to benefit ruffed grouse, American woodcock, snowshoe hare, New England cottontail, bobcat and other wildlife were completed on six wildlife management areas, yielding revenue exceeding $162,000. • Shrubland and young forest habitat was enhanced on four WMAs covering 135 acres as part of the Regional New England cottontail Restoration Initia- tive. • Mowed 356 acres of fields to maintain nesting and foraging habitat for grassland birds, wild turkey and other species. • Department regional biologists reviewed 106 timber harvests in northern N.H. involving nearly 32,000 acres on 16 large forestland ownerships, providing guidance for improving and protecting wildlife habitat during these operations. • Initiated a multi-state effort to develop a communications plan to enhance public knowledge and support for managing and sustaining young forest habitats, that are critical to reversing declines of many wildlife species of conservation concern.

16 2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT • The wildlife division received the prestigious Conservation Partner Award The Wildlife Division in September 2009 from the Society for the Protection of NH Forests in received the recognition and appreciation of the extraordinary spirit shown in our mutual prestigious efforts to successfully conserve land and wildlife habitat. Conservation Partner • Wildlife biologists evaluated and ranked habitat conservation proposals Award submitted for competitive grant funding to the N.H. Land and Community in September 2009 Heritage Investment Program, the N.H. State Conservation Committee, and from the Society for the Open Space Institute. Grants provided by these organizations protected 25 properties totaling more than 11,000 acres. the Protection of NH Forests for our efforts to successfully conserve land and wildlife habitat.

2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT 17 z LEGISLATION

2010 Session • HB1144 Title: relative to the definition of a set line used for taking fish. This bill clarifies the definition of a set line in the taking of fish. This bill is a request of the fish and game department. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR, CHAPTERED LAW: 0018 • HB1175 –FN Title: relative to duplicate registrations for snowmobiles. This bill authorizes the fish and game department to issue duplicate registrations for lost snowmobile registrations. This bill is a request of the fish and game department. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR, CHAPTERED LAW: 0025 • HB1201 Title: (New Title) including loaded muzzleloaders in the prohibition of hunting from a vehicle. This bill adds loaded muzzleloaders to the provisions prohibiting hunting from a motor vehicle, OHRV, snowmobile, boat, or aircraft. This bill is a request of the fish and game department. SENATE, LAID ON TABLE • HB1317 –FN Title: establishing an exotic game license for hunting in a game preserve. This bill establishes an exotic game hunting license to be HB1507 –FN allows issued by the fish and game department, in addition to any other license or permit, for hunting wild boar, elk, or bison in a game preserve. HOUSE, resident and non- INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE resident active duty members of the armed • HB1331 Title: relative to extending the days for recreational taking of clams following an emergency closing. This bill requires the executive forces, as well as director to extend or add to the number of days persons may take clams for residents returning from recreational purposes for each day of an emergency closing of a clamming active duty, to receive area. HOUSE, INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE free hunting and fishing • HB1425 Title: relative to the regulation of the processing of lobster tails. licenses. This bill requires persons to acquire a lobster tail permit issued by the fish and game department to engage in the processing of cooked lobster tail meat. This bill is a request of the fish and game department. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR, CHAPTERED LAW: 0056 • HB1507 –FN Title: relative to hunting and fishing licenses for disabled veterans, active duty members of the armed forces, and residents returning from active duty. The bill allows resident and nonresident active duty members of the armed forces, as well as residents returning from active duty, to receive free hunting and fishing licenses. This bill also allows veterans with a disability rating of 20 percent or greater to receive free hunting and fishing licenses. HOUSE, INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE • HB1514 –FN Title: prohibiting the sale of raw skins or unskinned carcasses of fur-bearing animals. This bill prohibits the sale, possession, and transportation of raw skins or unskinned carcasses of fur-bearing animals. HOUSE, INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE • HB1660 –FN Title: repealing the authority for the assessment of an administrative penalty for various OHRV and snowmobile violations. This bill repeals the authority for the fish and game department to assess an administrative penalty, in addition to other penalties, for various OHRV

18 2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT LEGISLATION z

and snowmobile violations. This bill is a request of the fish and game department. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR, CHAPTERED LAW: 0066 • SB399 –FN Title: allowing the fish and game department to charge fees for the release of department records. This bill allows the fish and game department to charge a fee for the release of certain department records excluding personal information. The executive director shall adopt rules establishing fees and procedures for administration. HOUSE, INTERIM STUDY

2011 Session • HB35 –FN Title: authorizing the acquisition of certain dams in the Connecti- cut Lakes Headwaters Tract. This bill authorizes the fish and game department to acquire certain dams in the Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Tract and to transfer rights in the properties to the department of environmental services for repair and maintenance. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR, CHAPTERED LAW: 0102 • HB93 Title: relative to medical documentation for a crossbow permit for a person with a disability. This bill adds an advanced practice registered nurse to the persons who may complete the medical documentation for a person HB206 allows the with a disability applying for a crossbow permit with the fish and game Fish and Game department. This bill is a request of the fish and game department. SIGNED Department to issue BY GOVERNOR, CHAPTERED LAW: 0007 an apprentice hunting • HB167 Title: naming the Enfield wildlife management area after former license to persons who fish and game biologist Henry Laramie. This bill names the area known as have not completed the Enfield wildlife management area in Grafton County the Henry Laramie Wildlife Area. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR, CHAPTERED LAW: 0010 a hunter education program or provided • HB194 Title: repealing the prohibition on having or carrying certain crossbow, rifles, or shotguns in vehicles. This bill repeals provisions in the fish proof of previous and game laws prohibiting the having or carrying certain crossbow, rifles, or hunting or archery shotguns in vehicles. HOUSE, RETAINED IN COMMITTEE license. • HB195 Title: relative to special permits for transportation of deer. This bill clarifies the procedure for special permits for the transportation of deer allowed by the executive director of fish and game. This bill is a request of the fish and game department. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR, CHAPTERED LAW: 0013 • HB196 Title: relative to the certificates of completion of a basic hunter education program or bow hunter education program. This bill allows the fish and game department to suspend a person’s certificate of completion of a basic hunter education program or specialized bow hunter education program pursuant to rules adopted by the executive director. This bill is a request of the fish and game department. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR, CHAPTERED LAW: 0070 • HB206 –FN Title: establishing an apprentice hunting license. This bill allows the fish and game department to issue an apprentice hunting license to persons who have not completed a hunter education program or provided proof of previous hunting or archery license. This bill is a request of the fish and game department. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR, CHAPTERED LAW: 0046

2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT 19 z LEGISLATION

• HB294 Title: relative to the distance from highways for the taking of moose. This bill provides that rules of the fish and game department shall not require a greater distance from highways for taking moose than is required for other hunting near class I-V highways. HOUSE, RETAINED IN COMMITTEE • HB439 –FN-L Title: relative to claiming an invasive species as a habitat. This bill exempts invasive species from being claimed as habitats for endangered species. SENATE, REREFERRED TO COMMITTEE • HB446 –FN Title: repealing the authority for regulation of certain professional occupations. This bill repeals the regulatory boards and authority for licensure or certification for barbering, cosmetology, and esthetics, including tanning facilities; landscape architecture; court reporting; athletic training; recreational therapy; family mediation; hunting and fishing guides; athlete agents; massage therapists; reflexologists, structural integrators, and Asian bodywork therapists; and hawkers, peddlers, and itinerant vendors. HOUSE, RETAINED IN COMMITTEE • HB483 –FN-L Title: relative to mosquito control. This bill allows a mu- nicipality to commence mosquito control abatement activities on state lands where a public health threat is in effect or was in effect within the last year SB128 establishes a under RSA 141-C:25. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR, CHAPTERED LAW: committee to study 0260 sources of funding for • HB514 Title: relative to entry on private land. This bill prohibits certain the search and rescue entry on private property for data gathering without a warrant or the written operations of the Fish consent of the landowner. HOUSE, RETAINED IN COMMITTEE and Game Department. • HB570 Title: relative to licensure of guides by the fish and game department. The bill exempts persons licensed as operators of for-hire vessels for recreational fishing in coastal and estuarine waters from requirements from licensure as a guide. This bill is a request of the fish and game department. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR, CHAPTERED LAW: 0055 • HB571 –FN Title: relative to lobster and crab licenses issued by the fish and game department. This bill revises criteria and fees for lobster and crab licenses issued by the fish and game department. The bill also clarifies provisions for lobster tail permits and landing licenses for lobster and crab. This bill is a request of the fish and game department. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR, CHAPTERED LAW: 0081 • HB651 Title: allowing the sale and possession of monk parakeets. This bill allows for the sale and possession of monk parakeets, also known as Quaker parrots. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR, CHAPTERED LAW: 0116 • SB128 –FN-A Title: (New Title) establishing a committee to study sources of funding for the search and rescue operations of the fish and game department. This bill establishes a committee to study sources of funding for the search and rescue operations of the fish and game department. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR, CHAPTERED LAW: 0147

20 2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT z RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHANGES IN THE FEE STRUCTURE FOR ALL LICENSES AND PERMITS ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department has no plans to change the existing license fee structure at the present time.

A. EFFECTS OF Inflation Rates On Department Operations Revenues are not keeping pace with expenses. The amount of money raised from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses is dependent on the price of the license and the number of people purchasing licenses. The number of people who buy hunting and fishing licenses is on the decline in New Hampshire as well as nationally. Although hunting license sales have declined since 2003, fishing license sales have increased and were very good in fiscal year 2009; the Department is making every effort for this trend to continue. Meanwhile, however, the Department’s expenses have steadily risen. The highest increases have been in the areas of retiree health insurance, salary and benefit costs of active employees, payments to the State of New Hampshire for general services and increases in funds paid to the Department of Informa- tion Technology. The Department cannot control these costs as we can our operational costs; they are dictated by health insurance companies, the Collec- tive Bargaining Agreement, the Department of Administrative Services and the Department of Information Technology.

COMPARISON OF INDIVIDUALS HOLDING PAID LICENSES TO HUNT AND FISH (From Data Collected For USFWS Certifications)

HUNTING RESIDENT NUMBER PERCENT NON-RES. NUMBER PERCENT YEAR HUNTING CHANGE CHANGE HUNTING CHANGE CHANGE 2003 51,875 (3,242) -6% 12,100 (369) -3% 2004 50,777 (1,098) -2% 11,810 (290) -2% 2005 49,165 (1,612) -3% 11,572 (238) -2% 2006 49,415 250 1% 11,661 89 1% 2007 48,786 (629) -1% 10,982 (679) -6% 2008 48.553 (233) -0.5% 10,601 (381) -3.5% 2009 48,947 394 0.8% 10,473 (128) -1.2%

FISHING RESIDENT NUMBER PERCENT NON-RES. NUMBER PERCENT YEAR FISHING CHANGE CHANGE FISHING CHANGE CHANGE 2003 95,911 (4,572) -5% 45,150 (2,898) -6% 2004 97,947 2,036 2% 45,888 738 2% 2005 95,923 (2,024) -2% 44,672 (1,216) -3% 2006 96,854 931 1% 43,970 (702) -2% 2007 99,878 3,024 3% 46,631 2,661 6% 2008 99,833 (45) 0% 45,160 (1,471) -3.2% 2009 103,657 3,824 3.8% 46,313 1,153 2.6%

2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT 21 z RECOMMENDATIONS

B. Previous Fee Increases Since 1935, the Fish and Game Department has been self supporting, depend- ing primarily on funding derived from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses and fees on outdoor activities and hunting and fishing equipment. Currently, on average, New Hampshire’s hunters and anglers pay more per individual to support the state’s fish and wildlife conservation programs than any other state in New England. These high fees are believed to be one factor in contributing to a decline in participation rates over the past 15 years. We have reached a point in the Department’s history where hunters and anglers are no longer able to provide the revenue necessary to sustain all Department programs or meet the challenges posed by a growing population and increased human development. Over the last two years, the following license fee changes were implemented: In 2009, a Lobster/Crab Landing license was added, with a fee of $50 for residents and $500 for nonresidents. In addition, the fee for the nonresident commercial saltwater license was raised from $300 to $500, while the fee for the resident license remained unchanged at $50. In 2010, the pheasant license fee increased from $16 to $26 for both residents and nonresidents, an increase implemented to cover the purchase of birds stocked in the program. (At a public hearing, pheasant hunters strongly supported the option of increasing the fee rather than reducing the number of birds stocked.) Also in 2010, the Special Unit M Antlerless-Only Deer tag changed; instead of being restricted to a single tag, hunters now may purchase 1 tag for $13 or 2 tags for $26. On January 1, 2011, a new Recreational Saltwater Fish- ing License was implemented, with a fee of $16 ($1 of which is an agent fee). For N.H. saltwater anglers, this license replaced the mandatory National Angler Registry requirement and associated fee which took effect on the same date. Also on January 1, 2011, a new Saltwater Fishing Party Boat license requirement became effective, with a fee of $151; and a Saltwater Fishing Charter Boat license was put in place at $76 ($1 of each of these is an agent fee). See page 26 for fee reductions made effective July 1, 2011.

License Fees in Contiguous States While all states issue licenses to hunt and fish, each state employs different license and permit structures and fees. Seldom are activities permit- ted and/or the type and number of species that can be taken with a particular license or combination of licenses and permits identical. Consequently, it is difficult to draw simple comparisons among states.

Comparison of Costs for FRESHWATER Fishing Activities, 2011

LICENSE TYPE NH ME VT MA RESIDENT FISHING $35.00 $25.00 $22.00 $27.50 NONRESIDENT FISHING $53.00 $64.00 $45.00 $37.50

22 2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS z

COMPARISON OF COSTS FOR SALTWATER FISHING ACTIVITIES AS OF JUNE 30, 2011

LICENSE TYPE NH ME VT MA RI CT

RESIDENT $15.00* $5.00** N/A $10.00 $7.00 $10.00 NONRESIDENT $15.00* $15.00** N/A $10.00 $10.00 $15.00

*See page 26 for fee reductions made effective July 1, 2011. **Fee to fish for striped bass

Comparison of Costs for Hunting Activities In an attempt to provide a general comparison of hunting license fees among the New England states, the table below was compiled in 2011 by reviewing state regulations and conferring with states to determine which license, permit or combination of license and permits would be necessary to hunt for four species (deer, bear, turkey and moose). Fees include all costs that must be paid in order to lawfully hunt the species.

Comparison of Costs for Hunting Activities, 2011

LICENSE TYPES NH ME VT MA Cost to hunt deer RESIDENT $24.50 $25.00 $22.00 $27.50 - regular season NONRES. $105.50 $114.00 $100.00 $99.50 Cost to hunt deer RESIDENT $24.50 $25.00 $42.00 $37.601 - archery only NONRES. $75.50 $74.00 $75.00 $104.60 Cost to hunt bear RESIDENT $40.50 $27.002 $22.00 $32.50

NONRES. $153.50 $168.00 $100.00 $104.50 Cost to hunt turkey RESIDENT $40.50 $45.003 $42.004 $32.50 (spring) NONRES. $136.50 $168.002 $135.00 $104.50 Cost to hunt deer RESIDENT $78.50 $97.00 $62.00 $42.50 (regular & archery), bear, turkey (spring) NONRES. $257.50 $316.005 $170.00 $114.60 Cost to hunt moose RESIDENT $174.50 $77.006 $122.00 NA

NONRES. $605.50 $598.00 $450.00 NA

1 Add on to license 2 To hunt bear outside the deer season 3 Additional 20.00 to hunt fall 4 2 birds 5 A Superpack is now available for residents only. The package includes: combination for all species - fishing, archery, muzzle loading, waterfowl, pheasant, all turkey, bear and night coyote plus 6 free chances to the moose lottery and eligibility for any deer lottery for areas with at least 3,500 permits. The licensee can add crossbow if eligibility requirements are met. The supersport option which goes to landowner relations program is not included in the package. 6 Residents can purchase 3 chances for $12, 6 for $22; nonresident 3 for $25, 6 for $35, 10 for $55 as well as multiples of 10 chances.

2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT 23 z RECOMMENDATIONS

It is an understatement C. Budget Demands to say that the New It is an understatement to say that the New Hampshire Fish and Game Depart- Hampshire Fish and ment’s budget is stressed as we try to meet all the demands of the public, along Game Department’s with our statutory responsibilities. In spite of limited resources, Fish and Game budget is stressed as has met budget challenges over the past decade through belt tightening, careful we try to meet all the management, elimination of vacancies, deferring maintenance on equipment and buildings, and reducing vehicle purchases to the point where our fleet is demands of the public, barely adequate to meet our needs. The fact is that sportsmen’s and sportswom- along with our statutory en’s license purchases are level, while costs for fuel, agricultural products (such responsibilities. as fish food), utilities, and most especially healthcare costs for active as well as retired employees, continue to rise at alarming rates. Because of the dedicated efforts of the Department’s staff, we were able to end FY 11 with a $4.29 million balance in the Fish and Game Fund. Unfortunately, as we look to the future, there is not much financial light on the horizon.

Important New Funding Sources In the fall of 2006, the Fish and Game Commission voted to have the Department develop legislation for a recreational saltwater fishing license as one of three potential new funding sources to address declining Department revenues and increasing costs. In addition, Federal legislation enacted by Congress in 2007 required that the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) implement a National Saltwater Angler Registry in order to improve the estimates of fishing effort and recreational harvest of marine fish such as striped bass and cod. The registry came on line January 1, 2010, with a $15 fee to be charged beginning in 2011. However, states could apply for an exemption from the registry for their anglers if they have a recreational saltwater license that collects the information needed by NMFS (name, address, phone number). Legislation passed during the 2009 legislative session implemented a $15 (+ $1 agent fee) license to fish in N.H. tidal waters effective January 1, 2011, and provided for collection of information needed to exempt N.H. anglers from the National Saltwater Angler Registry. The saltwater license was originally expected to generate approximately $750,000 per year for the Department. However, during the FY 12 and FY 13 budget process (completed in the spring of 2011), the New Hampshire Legislature reduced the price by $5 effective July 1, 2011. Revenues are expected to be reduced proportionally.

Federal Funds at Risk The Department receives a significant portion of its revenue from the Federal Government. Budgeted Federal revenues for FY 12 are approximately $9.2 million, or 29% of the total approved budget. Only $5.3 million of this comes from dedicated sources (wholesale excise taxes at the federal level on sporting goods), the balance being in annual appropriations, which at the time of this writing are significantly in doubt.

24 2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS z

Expanding our Constituency Our agency-wide The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department continues its efforts to “Adapting to Changing meet our obligations. Our agency-wide “Adapting to Changing Times” initia- Times” initiative is tive is exploring ways to engage the larger public in supporting the Depart- exploring ways to ment, which provides a wide range of essential services to all New Hampshire engage the larger citizens. Efforts are underway to secure alternative funding for search and public in supporting rescue, which is a constant drain on the Fish and Game Fund. Our success in building a public-private partnership with sportsmen’s groups to reopen the the Department, which Barry Conservation Camp, as well as the grant system we have developed with provides a wide range the nonprofit Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire, are examples of of essential services the “out of the box” thinking we are pursuing to keep us solvent and relevant as to all New Hampshire the Department marches into the future. citizens.

D. Intensive analysis and justification for any General Fund support for fish and game department programs:

Conservation of Nongame Species It is far less expensive Since 1988, the Department has received up to $50,000 per year in general to keep common funds to match donations made to the nongame species conservation program species common than to made by individuals. The Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program is the try to bring threatened steward for the state’s nongame wildlife – species not hunted, fished or trapped. or endangered species Through wildlife monitoring and management, plus outreach and education, back from the brink. the Nongame Program works to protect over 400 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, as well as thousands of insects and other invertebrates. The program works in cooperation with other New Hampshire agencies and organizations to develop and implement effective conservation strategies to protect and enhance this diverse group of wildlife. It has developed a state Wildlife Action Plan that is guiding conservation planning around New Hampshire. New Hampshire has a legislative mandate to create a management plan for nongame species, established through the state Endangered Species Act (RSA 212-A) and the Nongame Act (RSA 212-B). By law, the Department is not allowed to use federal Wildlife Restoration funds to pay for the work of conserving endangered species. Thus, the legislative mandate for the Nongame Program places a significant financial burden on the Department. The small expenditure of $50,000 in General Funds, as match for donations, in support of this valuable program, pays for itself many times over. It is far less expensive to keep common species common than to try to bring threatened or endangered species back from the brink.

2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT 25 Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program

Keeping our wildlife — and our traditions — healthy Purchases of fishing tackle, firearms, ammunition, archery equipment and motorboat fuels, along with license sales, help fund sport fish and wildlife restoration in New Hampshire. This provides opportunities for hunting, fishing and other wildlife-associated recreation.

Not so long ago... In the middle of the 19th century in New Hampshire, numbers of many wildlife species were dwindling or gone altogether because of unregulated hunting and loss of habitat. Conservation efforts of the time were few – and frequently misguided or scientifically questionable – but leadership was beginning to understand that investing in wildlife and habitat pays great dividends.

A unique solution The Pittman-Robertson Act, or Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, was passed in 1938. It was designed to counteract the wildlife crisis by providing local funding for wildlife management research; the selection, restoration, rehabilitation and improvement of wildlife habitat; and public use and benefit related to same. In 1950, the Dingell-Johnson Act or Sport Fish Restoration Act was created to provide similar management, conservation and restoration improvements for fisheries. Together, the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs (WSFR) have transformed the landscape and immeasurably improved the conditions and prospects for New Hampshire’s wildlife. In short, both acts encourage a scientific approach toward managing – and restoring – fish and wildlife.

User-pay, user-benefit “Every time an American hunter buys a gun or ammunition he chips in to improve his sport,” said the author of a 10-year report on federal wildlife restoration released in 1949. It’s just as true today: WSFR programs are funded by revenues collected from the manufacturers of sporting arms, handguns, ammunition and archery equipment, fishing rods, reels, lures and other fishing gear. Motorboat and small engine fuel taxes also help fund the system. The money is paid back to New Hampshire Fish and Game – and wildlife agencies in the other U.S. states and territories – to be used on specific wildlife restoration projects.

Meeting the public’s wildlife needs With the support of WSFR, salmon, wild turkeys and countless other creatures are now prospering in New Hampshire. Fish and Game’s scientific research and management give species a solid chance to re-establish healthy populations, while at the same time improving habitats for all to enjoy. Along the way, WSFR helps Fish and Game meet the public’s need for wildlife resources by improving boating access, providing aquatic education and outreach, maintaining quality hunter education programs and myriad related projects. New Hampshire’s hunters, anglers and wildlife watchers – including tourists – can thank WSFR’s creators for starting a system that has protected our wildlife, our outdoors and our outdoor traditions through the years.

26 2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT APPENDIX

2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT 27 z Fish and Game Commission

Belknap County John W. McGonagle

Carroll County Robert Rowan, Chairman

Cheshire County Robert Phillipson Jr.

Coastal Area Vacant

Coos County Theodore A. Tichy

Grafton County Sharon Guaraldi

Hillsborough County Walter Morse

Merrimack County Eric Orff

Rockingham County James W. Ryan, Secretary/Treasurer

Strafford County Robert S.S. Blake

Sullivan County Tom Hubert, Vice Chairman

28 2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT Fish and Game Commission z

Century-long Tradition of Service On behalf of the citizens of the State of New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Commission protects and manages New Hampshire’s fish, wildlife and habitat resources for current and future generations while providing opportunities for citizens to use these resources for recreation, learning and commerce. The N.H. Fish and Game Com- mission is made up of 11 New Hampshire citizens (one from each county and one representing saltwater interests), appointed by the governor and council. The Commission focuses its service by setting policy for: general conservation of wildlife; development, funding and implementation of a strategic plan for the operation of the Department; acquisition and development of public access to lands and waters; public education and building support for Department programs; and establishment of positions on proposed legislation that affects the Depart- New Hampshire Fish and Game ment and fish, wildlife and marine resources. The Commission carries on a Commission, from left, seated: Walter Morse, Hillsborough proud tradition of service. For more than a century, New Hampshire’s wildlife County; Tom Hubert, Sullivan agency has restored, protected and managed the state’s marine, fish and wild- County (Vice Chair); Sharon life and their habitats. Guaraldi, Grafton County First established in 1865 as the Fisheries Commission, this council’s (Chair); Ted Tichy, Coos Coun- early mission revolved around the restoration of sea-run fish and the intro- ty. From left, standing: James W. Ryan, Rockingham County; duction of new varieties of freshwater fish. In 1880, the Fisheries Commis- John W. McGonagle, Belknap sion was reorganized into the Commission of Fisheries and Game, reflecting County; Robert Phillipson , a growing concern for the scarcity of deer and other wildlife. In 1913, the Cheshire County; Robert S.S. Legislature abolished the existing board of Fisheries and Game Commissioners Blake, Strafford County. Not and created a new paid Office of the Fish and Game Commissioner. This move pictured is Eric Orff, Merrimack County. The Carroll County acknowledged the rising importance of fishing and hunting-related spending to and Coastal Commission posts New Hampshire’s economy. were vacant. In 1935, the State Legislature laid the groundwork for the modern fish and wildlife agency we know today. It established the N.H. Fish and Game Department, an organization with a new emphasis on biological research, under the guidance of a Fish and Game Commission. The agency’s responsibilities broadened in 1965, when the Legislature established the Marine Fisheries Divi- sion, giving it responsibility “for the regulation and promotion of both recreational and commercial marine fishing in the salt waters of the state.” Fish and Game’s mission was further expanded in 1988, when the Legislature broadened the Department’s authority to include all species of fish and wildlife, not just those involved in traditional hunting, trapping and fishing activities.

2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT 29 z Fish and Game Commission

During the biennium, Guiding Policy at Fish and Game the Fish and Game The N.H. Fish and Game Commission focuses its service by setting general Commission actively policy related to the Department’s work. A long-range strategic plan guides the participated in the direction of the Fish and Game Department. Commission policy supports the legislative process and acquisition, development and maintenance of public access to lands and waters was instrumental in for recreational use consistent with New Hampshire laws and regulations. The Commissioners support Department activities that educate the public and build helping constituents awareness of and support for Fish and Game programs and objectives. They better understand the establish positions on all proposed legislation that affects fish and wildlife legislative issues that resources, thus setting policy to guide overall management of the state’s fish Fish and Game faced. and wildlife resources and habitats. One of the Commission’s primary responsibilities is to nominate the Department’s Executive Director when such action is needed. Commissioner Robert Rowen served as Commission Chair through June of 2011. During the biennium, the Fish and Game Commission has participated actively in the legislative process and was instrumental in helping constituents better understand the legislative issues that the Fish and Game Department faced during this period. Commission members also have been closely involved in the Department’s Adapting to Changing Times initiative.

Commission Awards of Excellence The New Hampshire Fish and Game Commission recognized several New Hampshire citizens and organizations with Awards of Excellence during the biennium, honoring their efforts in the conservation field in support of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s mission. Seven award categories recognize outstanding achievements in areas considered to be of critical importance to the Commission (awards may not be presented in each category every year). Nominations are solicited annually and must be submitted by December 31.

The highest honor given by the Commission is the Ellis R. Hatch Jr. Commission Award of Excellence. In March of 2010, this award was presented to former Commissioner Bill Carney, of Bow, N.H. Former Commissioner Ellis R. Hatch Jr., for whom the award is named, personally presented the award. “The Fish and Game Commission honors Bill today for his work to support fish and wildlife resources, the Department and the entire sporting community,” said Hatch. He cited Carney’s many contributions to the mission of Fish and Game, including representing the interests of sportsmen and women and sporting clubs in testimony before the State Legislature. Carney works tirelessly on the phone, by e-mail and through the sporting media to keep people informed and involved in issues affecting fish and wildlife resources. He also played a key role in helping to save the Anadromous Fish Program and the Nashua Fish Hatchery through his leadership of the Merrimack Migratory Fish Bill Carney Alliance.

In 2011, the Ellis R. Hatch Jr. Award of Excellence was presented to Mike Normandin of Belmont, N.H., in 2011. Normandin spearheaded the renovation of Barry Conservation Camp in Berlin, N.H., a summer camp where

30 2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT Fish and Game Commission z youth learn outdoor skills. Barry Camp had been shuttered since 2009, but Normandin energetically mobilized a statewide effort to involve volunteers and solicit donations to refurbish the camp, as well as raising money for a growing endowment that is key to the camp’s future maintenance. The Commission noted that Normandin’s efforts resulted in dozens of sporting clubs and conservation organizations across the state working together to rebuild and reopen the camp. As a result of these collective efforts by New Hampshire’s outdoor community, Barry Camp re-opened in June 2011 with a full slate of residential summer camp options for youth.

Others recognized with Commission Awards of Excellence during the biennium included: Mike Normandin In 2010 The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Adopt-a-Salmon Program – Conserva- tion Organization Award of Excellence. This program, now in its 14th year, ex- ists to educate hundreds of middle school students about wildlife habitat, water resources and the salmon lifecycle.

Cathie Gregg of Madison, N.H. – Volunteer Award of Excellence. Gregg has worked as a wildlife rehabilitator at the Elaine Connors Center for Wildlife for 20 years. Her ability to care for orphaned large mammals, such as deer and moose, and release them back to the wild is especially important to Fish and Game.

Great Northwoods Journal – Communication Award of Excellence. Based in Lancaster, N.H., the Great Northwoods Journal is a free newspaper published Peter St. James weekly and distributed in the North Country. The Journal not only covers large- scale rescues conducted by Fish and Game, but also regularly delves into many other aspects of the Department’s work of interest to outdoor enthusiasts.

In 2011 Great Bay Stewards – Conservation Organization Award of Excellence. “These dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to protect and preserve the vitality of Great Bay through education, land protection and research,” said Fish and Game Commissioner for Strafford County Robert S.S. Blake

The Strafford Rivers Conservancy – Habitat Stewardship Award of Excel- lence. Through the efforts of this regional land trust based in Dover, N.H., and partnerships with many groups including New Hampshire Fish and Game, 3,270 acres in Strafford County have been protected.

Peter St. James of Warner, N.H. – Communication Award of Excellence. A broadcast journalist, St. James is a longtime member of the New England Joe Stieglitz of Great Bay Stewards Outdoor Writers Association and a radio personality on WTPL Radio, where he actively shares what is new and important relating to Fish and Game issues.

2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT 31 z executive director’s office

Glenn Normandeau Executive Director

Tanya Haskell Administrative Assistant

Randy Curtis Federal Aid Coordinator

Charles Miner Landowner Relations Coordinator

Sandy Falicon Legislative Rules Coordinator

Carol Henderson Environmental Review Coordinator

Tom Bourgault Human Resources Administrator

Kim Crowley Human Resources Coordinator

Cindy Vachon Payroll Officer

32 2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT executive director’s office z

ADAPTING TO CHANGING TIMES The Executive Director’s Office oversees all the activities, functions and employees of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and enforces state laws relating to fish, wildlife and marine resources. Fish and Game staff that are part of the Executive Director’s Office include coordinators for Federal Aid, Environmental Review and Legislation/Rules, as well as Landowner Rela- tions and Human Resources. During the biennium, Executive Director Glenn Normandeau has guided Fish and Game in a challenging time of expanded Departmental responsibilities and limited revenues. He provided critical support for a sweeping ongoing initiative called “Adapting to Changing Times,” which involved most Fish and Game employees and Commissioners, to examine current activities, conduct stakeholder analysis and broaden support for the Department’s programs. Society is changing rapidly, and the N.H. Fish and Game Department wants to ensure that its activities keep pace and remain relevant throughout the Glenn Normandeau, Executive Director 21st century and beyond. In meeting these challenges, Fish and Game, a self-funded agency, continued to explore ways to seek new sources of revenue for Department activities – through federal grants and nonprofit partnerships such as the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire, and the implementation of a new recreational saltwater fishing license that became effective on January 2011. Despite revenue limitations, the Department continues to be responsible for the critical work of fish, wildlife and marine research and management; conservation of threatened and endangered species through the state’s Wildlife Action Plan; enforcement of fish and wildlife laws; conservation of land and natural places; providing search and rescue in wilderness areas; ensuring access to the state’s public waterbodies; communicating about and building support for the agency’s work; educating the public about conservation issues, and providing other essential public services for all New Hampshire citizens. These multiple responsibilities support recreational activities of hunters, anglers, hikers, paddlers and wildlife watchers that are a critical component of New Hampshire’s economy and quality of life. As agency resources are stretched to the limit, there is a clear need to For Fiscal Years establish some kind of mechanism to allow the broader constituencies that ben- 2010 and 2011, Federal efit from the Department’s programs help pay for them, as hunters and anglers have been doing for many years. People care deeply about New Hampshire’s revenue in support wildlife resources; the challenge for the Department is to foster avid support of approved projects for these resources from a broad and diverse public, building on the loyal sup- provided approximately port these resources receive from Fish and Game’s traditional constituency. 30% of total Department revenue. Federal Aid Coordination The Executive Director’s Office coordinates Fish and Game’s participation in various federal assistance programs. Activities include pre-award coordination and proposal review, application submission, post-award grant management and compliance, as well as certain aspects of fiscal management and budgeting. Federal funds received through these programs are critical to accomplishing Fish and Game’s mission. For Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011, Federal revenue in support of approved projects provided approximately 30%

2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT 33 z executive director’s office

of total Department revenue. During the biennium, Fish and Game administered 66 separate federal assistance grants and cooperative agreements totaling $15 million. These funds were awarded from three Departments of the Federal government through 15 different funding programs. The primary sources of federal dollars to N.H. Fish and Game were the Department of the Interior through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; the U.S. Department of Commerce through the National Oce- anic and Atmospheric Administration; and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, through the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Formula-based apportionments through the Wildlife Restoration and Sport Fish Restoration Acts were the source of approximately 70% of all federal funding received by Fish and Game. Federal funds received during the biennium helped N.H. Fish and Game accomplish approved activities and reimbursed costs associated with a wide range of program functions, such as fish and wildlife inventories, marine and coastal programs, fish hatchery operation, construction and maintenance of boat access facilities, information and education programs, wildlife disease monitoring, habitat improvement and management, land acquisition and law enforcement.

Landowner Relations Program – Access for Present and Future Generations of Hunters and Anglers Hunting and fishing are New Hampshire traditions that we strive to pass on to present and future generations. With greater than 70% of New Hampshire’s land under private ownership, the key to a quality hunting or fishing experience for most of us is the ability to access private lands, a privilege provided through the generosity of landowners sharing their land. If we are to maintain the rich New Hampshire hunting and fishing tradition, it is important to remember that access to private land is a privilege provided to us through the generosity of the landowner. The Landowner Relations Program works in partnership with landowners, hunters and anglers to address problems resulting in loss of access. A few initiatives worked on during the biennium include: • Operation Land Share’s Hunter Access Program serves as the foundation of the Landowner Relations Program’s efforts to work in partnership with hunters and landowners to maintain, enhance and increase hunter access to private lands. Established in September 2009, the program worked with 131 landowners maintaining hunter access to over 46,000 acres of private land during the biennium. • Through the Cocheco River Angler Access Project, a partnership with the Great Bay Chapter of Trout Unlimited, the City of Dover and private landowners, angler access was restored and enhanced to a 2½ mile section of the Cocheco River. • Working in partnership with Cheshire County Fish and Game Club, Sullivan County Sportsmen, Piscataqua Fish and Game Club and individual pheasant hunters, the Pheasant Hunter Landowner Relations Project works with landowners to maintain access to 25 pheasant sites in Cheshire, Sullivan,

34 2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT executive director’s office z

Rockingham and Coos Counties. • Through a partnership with the New Hampshire Chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Turkey Hunter Landowner Relations Project works to maintain and enhance turkey hunter access. • Working in partnership with Belknap County Sportsmen’s Association and Conservation Officers, a program to maintain access for ice fishing was developed. Hunting and fishing are New Hampshire traditions that will only continue if everyone follows the basic principle of landowner relations: Treat the landowner as you would like to be treated, and treat their land as you would like yours to be treated.

Human Resources Fish and Game’s three-person Human Resources staff provides administrative The Department’s support to the Office of the Executive Director, as well as the seven Fish and “Agency Change” Game Divisions. initiative has been During the biennium, Human Resources continued its work with the an ongoing process Division of Personnel and other state agencies on the Work Force Develop- ment initiative. This culminated in the second annual Work Force Develop- this biennium. Human ment Symposium, held on October 15, 2010, in which approximately 300 state Resources has taken an employees were in attendance. active role in facilitating Human Resources partnered with the state in providing “wellness” numerous group initiatives and supporting employees in educational programs promoting sessions and assisted healthy lifestyles for both home and work. Wellness fairs and information ses- with various initiatives sions were provided to employees in an effort to increase awareness regarding as the Department health, fitness and lifestyle choices. The Department’s “Agency Change” initiative has been an ongoing remains focused on process this biennium. Human Resources has taken an active role in facilitating broadening its numerous group sessions and assisted with various initiatives as the Depart- constituency. ment remains focused on broadening its constituency in an effort to garner support for N.H. Fish and Game’s mission.

Environmental Review The Environmental Review Coordinator serves in the Executive Director’s office, overseeing all environmental reviews done in various divisions of the Department. With greater emphasis on renewable energy and new tax cred- its for energy production through means such as hydropower, the number of reviews for these projects has increased greatly in recent years. The Environ- mental Review Coordinator is the liaison with many statewide policy bodies, including the state Wetlands Council, Water Council, Natural Resources Com- mittee, Dredge Task Force and the Inter-Agency Permitting Initiative.

2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT 35 z executive director’s office

Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire – Fish and Game’s Official Nonprofit Partner Fish and Game’s official nonprofit partner, the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire, is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enhancing the conservation programs of the Department through providing private financial support. The Foundation plays an essential role in conservation of New Hampshire’s fish and wildlife resources and maintaining the New Hampshire traditions of hunting, fishing and wildlife watching for future generations. The Wildlife Heritage Foundation raises funds for the purpose of supporting wildlife education, conservation, and management programs that are important to preserving our hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation legacy in New Hampshire. The Foundation has provided over $86,000 of financial assistance in support of critical Department programs: Discover Wild New Hampshire Day, Discover Wild Times for Kids, National Hunting and Fishing Day N.H. Expo, Owl Brook Hunter Education Center, Great Bay Discovery Center, Operation Land Share, Barry Conservation Camp, aerial stocking of remote ponds, and redesign of Fish and Game’s website. Through RSA 206:33-c Fish and Game The Wildlife Heritage Foundation of N.H. receives a $2,500 donation was authorized to annually provide the Foun- from Safari Club International-NH Chapter at the 2010 Discover Wild N.H. Day in support of Fish and Game’s Owl Brook Hunter Education dation with up to 5 moose permits for use in Center. (l-r) Fish and Game Executive Director Glenn Normandeau; generating funding for Fish and Game pro- Governor John B. Lynch; Nancy Berliner, Coordinator, Wildlife Heritage grams. The Foundation initiated the annual Foundation of NH; Steven White, Foundation Chair; Dale Carruth, moose permit auction in 2009, and it has President, Safari Club International-NH. already brought in over $71,000 in funding for Department programs. The Foundation helped facilitate renovations at Barry Conservation Camp by receiving donations to the Barry Camp Challenge, which funded camp facility improvements and is working to establish the Barry Camp Fund to support future operations and maintenance. During the biennium, the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of N.H. launched a new website at nhwildlifefoundation.org.

Discover Wild Times for Kids, produced by N.H. Fish and Game with support from the Foundation, reaches thousands of New Hampshire schoolchildren with conservation messages each year.

36 2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT executive director’s office z

Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire grants make things happen at Fish and Game.

The Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire supported the state- Conservation Officer Mark Hensel and his wide effort to refurbish Fish and Game’s Barry Conservation Camp, in K-9 partner “Poacher.” The Wildlife Heritage Milan, N.H., by serving as the Fiscal Agent and contributing $10,000 to Foundation helps support Fish and Game launch the Barry Camp Fund in 2011. Above, N.H. Trappers Association Law Enforcement’s K-9 program. members renovate a cabin at the camp.

A Wildlife Heritage Foundation grant helped build the new garage/ Visitors to Discover WILD New Hampshire Day storage/indoor instruction building at the Department’s Owl Brook enjoy seeing trout and salmon in the stocking Hunter Education Center. truck. The event is sponsored in part by the Wildlife Heritage Foundation.

2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT 37 z BUSINESS DIVISION

Kathy Ann LaBonte Division Chief/Administrator II

Joanne Elmasry Accountant IV

Susan Perry Supervisor IV

Vacant Accountant I

Vivian Larson Senior Accounting Technician

Donna Preve Administrative Secretary

Jamie Belrose Program Specialist I

Kathi Hurst Program Assistant I

Jessica Hamel Program Assistant I

Cheryl Talon Computer Entry/Audit Clerk

Julie St. Pierre Computer Entry/Audit Clerk

June Cosselman Computer Entry/Audit Clerk

Kimberly Garstang Computer Entry/Audit Clerk

Mark Turner Shipping/Receiving Technician

Bruce Ordway Mechanic

38 2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT BUSINESS DIVISION z

Harnessing Technology The Business Division’s workload continued to grow during the biennium as a result of added and diverse programming at Fish and Game. The division’s Licensing section has made effective use of new technology to expand online license purchasing capabilities and enable more efficient operations requiring less manual data entry. Online sales of hunting and fishing licenses and permits continued to represent a large proportion of sales, improving cost efficiency for the Department and enhancing convenience for consumers. In all, about 40% of license sales for 2011 were purchased online, including through the Department’s website and at Wal-Mart stores.

Fish and Game also continued explor- Senior Account Technician ing moving toward the goal of equipping license agents with point-of-sale ser- Vivian Larson processes vice technology, which has the potential to replace cumbersome monthly data invoices for multiple Depart- reporting with an instantaneous data stream. Though it looks very promising, ment facilities and the many there remain several obstacles to implementing point-of-sale service, including services provided by Fish and Game. unreliable availability of Internet services for North Country license agents. Two new OHRV registration types were implemented, which require separate/additional inventory to issue and reconcile.

Coping with Staffing Cuts Although Fish and Game’s responsibilities have grown, its Business Cross-training of staff Office has not. The division lost critical positions during the biennium because has been maximized of budgetary cutbacks and reassignments. Cross-training of staff has been to enhance workflow maximized to enhance workflow and efficiency, however, the loss of staff has made it challenging to keep up with increasing demands. During the biennium, and efficiency, the division lost a full-time data entry position. In addition, the division lost however, the loss of the staff person who provided the administrative fleet manager function as the staff has made duties of this position were changed to a full-time mechanic. The division was it challenging able to add a permanent part-time shipping and receiving clerk. to keep up with In addition to reconciling accounts for 250 license agents who issue increasing demands. 200,000 plus forms per year; the Division also has the responsibility of 180 OHRV agents who in turn issue 85,000 plus registrations per year, as well as overseeing the Registered Dealer, Rental and Trail Maintenance programs. All OHRV monies must be reconciled and interagency distributions made in a timely manner.

New Accounting System Implemented Business office staff were closely involved in implementing the state’s new accounting system, known as NHFIRST (New Hampshire Fundamental Improvements to Revitalize Systems/Services Technology). The new system was in effect for both years of the biennium. There was a “learning curve” in

2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT 39 z BUSINESS DIVISION

The Business helping Department staff adapt to using the new processes, but the Business Division hired a full-time Division has made it work. Ultimately, NHFIRST is intended to standardize mechanic during the state processes for financial, budgetary, human resources, asset and grants man- biennium to cut down agement statewide. This standardization is still ongoing, with the human resource module on the staggeringly on track to be the first to be implemented in the coming biennium. high cost of outsourcing Keeping Aging Vehicles on the Road Department vehicle Fleet management continues to be a challenge, as the Department has maintenance and not been able to upgrade its aging vehicles as quickly as in years past because repair services. of budgetary and purchasing constraints. Fish and Game continues to search for ways large and small to save money, such as by buying consumable vehicle supplies in quantity. In addition, the Business Division hired a full-time mechanic during the biennium to cut down on the staggeringly high cost of outsourcing Department vehicle maintenance and repair services on the aging fleet. Unfortunately, the loss of the staff person providing administrative fleet management has shifted the burden of these administrative duties onto division staff already shouldering many other responsibilities.

Managing Complex Finances The Business Division plays a key role in managing the complex financial landscape that keeps the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, a self-supporting agency, afloat. Fish and Game uses revenue from fishing and hunting license fees, federal funds and other sources to accomplish its broad mission of conserving, managing and protecting the state’s fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats; informing and educating the public about these resources; and providing opportunities for people to use and appreciate these resources. As the charts on the back page of this report show, Fish and Game’s budget sustains the full range of habitat and fish and wildlife management tasks, plus conservation education, law enforcement, search and rescue activities, and support work. All of these are essential to ensuring that the Depart- ment can effectively serve the people and wildlife of New Hampshire.

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2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT 41 z FACILITY AND LANDS DIVISION

Richard J. Fink, P.E. Division Chief

Jeffrey King, Biologist III Statewide Public Boat Access Program Coordinator

Rich Cook Land Agent

Betsey McNaughten Land Agent

Alan Moody Engineering Technician IV

Jeff Preve Construction Foreman

Jack Snow Construction Foreman

Jim Krochmal Maintenance Mechanic III

Dale Temple Maintenance Mechanic II

Mike Cwikla Grounds Foreman

Regional Access Maintainers (Seasonal): • Fred Paradis • Mike Fanny • Richard Lafleur • Chris Berg • Steve Wheeler • Bill Phinney • Kenneth Lary

42 2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT FACILITY AND LANDS DIVISION z

Providing Habitat Protection and Boat Access The Facilities and Lands Division is responsible for the management and maintenance of all statewide Fish and Game properties. These include approximately 150 buildings, 140 boat ramps, 130 dams, and over 71,000 acres of wildlife management areas, conservation easements and other interests. The Division also provides the design, construction and maintenance of boating access facilities, fabrication of information kiosks and portable sanitary facilities. The lands side of the division negotiates land and habitat acquisitions, and manages conservation easement areas. The Facilities and Lands Division is led by Richard J. Fink, Fundy Cove boating access P.E., Public Works Manager III. He is assisted by Jeffrey King, Biologist III, site on Pawtuckaway Lake. the Statewide Public Boat Access Program Coordinator; King transferred from the Department of Information Technology (DoIT) office in February 2010. The Division provides a supporting function to the other divisions in the Department. Our lands staff, comprised of the Statewide Public Boat Access Program Coordinator and two lands agents, are responsible for the acquisition and management of land for the future development of boat access sites and habitat protection and conservation easements. The reorganization of the Facilities and Lands Division (created in 2008 by combining the former Land Resources Bureau with the Facility Construc- tion, Maintenance and Boat Access staff) is developing as intended under the leadership of the Executive Director.

Comprehensive New Database Along with the Division’s two land agents, the Division worked with imbedded DoIT staff during the biennium to update the land management system database for the cataloguing of all Department properties. The database was actively populated by two temporary Data Entry Operator II employees. It provides information for all Fish and Game landholdings, including wildlife management areas, public boat access sites and dams, as well as hatcheries, public education facilities and office buildings. The database is now operational and has been successful in preparing reports and extracting other information from the database as needed. It continues to improve as the division works out a few bugs in the system and improves report management. This comprehensive lands database now includes all Fish and Game-owned facilities. It is a tool that enhances management of land use and monitoring of conservation easements.

2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT 43 z FACILITY AND LANDS DIVISION

Engineered Projects The Division coordinates engineering design, permit preparation, and plan development with engineering consultants and other professionals outside of the Department. Engineered projects include public boat access facilities, shore angling fishing platforms and wildlife viewing platforms, improvements Our division staff is to hatcheries and other properties. The Statewide Boat Access Coordinator capable of constructing consults regularly with the Public Water Access Advisory Board (PWAAB) as complete boat access he directs and guides the boat access program. Our division staff is capable of facilities including constructing complete boat access facilities including drainage, grading, boat drainage, grading, boat ramp plank installation and site amenities. ramp plank installation The recently redesigned concrete planks used at our new boat ramps are 3 feet wide and 12 feet long. They are bolted together to form a continu- and site amenities. ous ramp anchored to a cast-in-place concrete monolith. This new design is intended to control the displacement and shoving of planks by ice action in the winter. The division’s maintenance mechanics provide routine maintenance and property improvement projects as needed by the Department. Projects are varied and may include anything from painting to replacing equipment and up- grading building improvements. Our seasonal and permanent staff also provide snow removal and lawn and grounds care. Engineering staff created building inventory forms and distributed to all divisions for easier reporting and tracking of maintenance needs. This inventory form was modeled after the energy reporting database as a method of creating a better building inventory than was previously available.

Boat Ramps, Pipelines, Roads and More: Facilities and Lands Projects The construction team completed several public boat access ramps during the biennium. In addition, site improvement projects were completed at various locations, including pipeline consolidation and composite sampler building construction at the Twin Mountain Hatchery, various road and gravel parking improvements, and hazardous material testing and mitigation as part of building removal at two sites. The division coordinated with the Bureau of Public Works for the replacement of the roof shingles on the headquarters garage. Our maintenance staff sanded, primed and painted the wood siding on the maintenance garage and cold storage building. Main- tenance staff, with assistance from other divisions, enhanced the landscaping at headquarters, including tree removal, constructing a new lawn and mulch planting beds, and installing a timber guardrail. Other projects completed during the biennium included:

This carry-down cartop site at Purity Lake, Eaton, includes • Fish and Game construction staff built the Purity several innovative solutions. Above, timber and gravel stairs Pond Carry-down Boat Access development in leading to a “low-abrasion” kayak landing pad. The parking area features GrassPavers. Eaton, which has timber and gravel steps leading to the innovative stone landing mattress for canoes and

44 2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT FACILITY AND LANDS DIVISION z

kayaks. The parking area is environmentally friendly, using GrassPavers for vehicle support while allowing rainwa- ter to pass through. The GrassPavers are high-density polyethylene mats that hold soil to allow grass growth and are strong enough to support the weight of vehicles. • Fish and Game construction staff reconstructed the Lake Umbagog Public Boat Access Facility in Errol, with new 3-foot-wide concrete planks and gravel parking for 20 trailered vehicles. These replaced older-style, narrow planks that were susceptible to significant displace-

ment by ice movement. The boat access site on Umbagog Lake in Errol was reconstructed during the • Fish and Game construction staff refur- biennium. bished the Beaver Lake Public Boat Access Facility in Derry. This project involved the replacement of displaced concrete planks with the new wider planks and eradication of a community of invasive Japanese knotweed. • The boat access to Merrymeeting Lake was reconstructed and improved. The old ramp was removed and replaced with 3-foot-wide concrete planks and a floating dock. The gravel parking area for 7 trailered vehicles was expanded. Vegetative screening was added to separate the site from an abutter. • In association with the Town of Strafford, the Facilities and Lands Division reconstructed the town dock at Bow Lake. The town provided all construction materials, including the 2000- pound masonry construction blocks, gravel and surface stone. The town also provided a construction crew that worked in partnership with the Fish and Game construction staff. Construction was completed at the Bow Lake Town Dock in • In support of the Fisheries Division, the con- Strafford during the fall lake drawdown. Each masonry block is 18 struction staff completed a pipeline consoli- inches tall. Full lake elevation will be halfway on the top block. dation project at the Twin Mountain Fish Hatchery, along with installing a composite sampler building for environmental monitoring and compliance. • In partnership with the N.H. Department of Transportation, the Fish and Game construction staff replaced the boat access to the Winnipesaukee River in Northfield. The old ramp was a bituminous surface characterized by severe pavement distress and erosion. The new ramp has 3-foot concrete planks and guardrail posts to delineate paved parking from the adjacent road. As an added benefit to the Town of Northfield, the construction crew worked with the fire department to install a dry hydrant.

2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT 45 z FACILITY AND LANDS DIVISION

• In support of the Wildlife and Law Enforcement divisions, the Facilities and Lands Division coordinated efforts to test unused buildings for hazardous materials, and directed the safe removal of asbestos and lead paint from eight buildings. The construction crew removed and disposed of three cabins that had outlasted their useful life. • Continuing improvement of the Weeks Wildlife Management Area in Greenland, the construction crew built a gravel access to the site and graded a parking area. The parking area was stabilized with concrete pavers. • Designed and managed improvements to the Re- gion 3 office and the Great Bay Discovery Center. Improvements at Weeks WMA included a gravel access and The Region 3 Office was in need of maintenance refurbished parking area. to doors, windows, walls and roof. Two contracts were bid for the work, and both projects were completed on-time and under budget. The Great Bay Discovery Center’s roof project was also presented for competitive bid. This innovative project included a thermal solar array to collect heat for supplement domestic water heating, photovoltaic panels to generate 3,200 watts of power, and a metal standing seam roof to replace the badly worn asphalt shingles. The Facilities and Lands • Coordinated testing and improvements to the sprinkler systems at three Division coordinated buildings at the Concord Headquarters campus and at the Region 2 and Region 3 offices. The Division also coordinated with the Bureau of Public efforts to test derelict Works on replacing the roof of the garage at Headquarters. The Headquarters buildings for hazardous site also had significant landscaping improvements, including reestablish- materials, and directed ment of a lawn in the center island of the parking lot, installation of a timber the safe removal of rail barrier, drainage improvement and addition of gravel parking. asbestos and lead paint from eight buildings.

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Land Acquisition The Public Boat Access Coordinator and Land Agents have worked 51,126 acres are with the Lands Team, consisting of members from several divisions within owned outright by the Department, having interest in land and easement acquisition. The Divi- sion acquired 2,551.57 acres of land for conservation, and an additional 719.08 the Department; acres for wildlife habitat in FY 2010. As of June 30, 2011, Fish and Game had 18,600 acres acquired 2,537.28 acres for wildlife management and 1,582.11 acres for con- comprise various types servation. of easements monitored These acquisitions bring the total acreage managed by the Department by Fish and Game. to 69,726.04. Of this total in this biennium 51,126.22 acres are owned outright by the Department; 18,599.82 acres comprise various types of easements monitored by Fish and Game.

UNDEVELOPED LAND ACQUIRED DURING THE 2010 – 2011 BIENNIUM

July 1, 2009 – June 30, 2010

TOWN PARCEL NAME F&G INTEREST ACREAGE* Barrington Parkhurst Tract, Stone- Fee 11.59 house Pond Brentwood Deer Hill WMA Fee 334.74 Dover Ayer Tract, Cocheco River Fee 13.19 WMA Durham Cheney North Tract, Great Fee 44.07 Bay NERR WMA** Durham Willey Tract, Great Bay Fee 81.80 NERR WMA** Durham Moriarity Tract, Great Bay Fee 48.26 NERR WMA** Effingham Ossipee River Boat Access Fee 1.64 Area Greenland Underwood Tract Fee 9.54 Newmarket Klien Tract, Great Bay Fee 37.25 NERR WMA** Webster Young Tract, Leonard WMA Fee 137.00 Total Fee Owned 719.08

Lempster Phase 1 Ashuelot River Easement 1277.00 Headwaters CE Area Lempster Phase 2 Ashuelot River Easement 479.00 Headwaters CE Area Newmarket Schneer III Easement 15.27 Shelburne Croftie Farm Easement 352.99 Shelburne Philbrook Farm Inn Easement 427.31 Total CE Area 2,551.57

Total Lands Conserved 3,270.65

* Figures rounded to nearest hundredth of an acre ** National Estuarine Research Reserve Wildlife Management Area

2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT 47 z FACILITY AND LANDS DIVISION

UNDEVELOPED LAND ACQUIRED DURING THE 2010 – 2011 BIENNIUM

July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011

TOWN PARCEL NAME F&G INTEREST ACREAGE* Canterbury Muchyedo Banks WMA Fee 294.02 Columbia BBC Lands, Hedgehog Fee 156.50 Brook WMA Columbia, Ursa Major Tract, Fee 464.50 Ervings Loc. Hedgehog Brook WMA Dover Olde Forest Tract, Cocheco Fee 27.96 River WMA Dover Wood Tract, Cocheco River Fee 11.10 WMA Odell Long Mt. Parcel Fee 220.00 Odell Mt. Muise Parcel Fee 60.00 Millsfield Bayroot Tract, Mt Kelsey Fee 762.00 WMA Millsfield Ursa Major Tract, Mt. Fee 519.00 Kelsey WMA** Newmarket Cont. Adv., Great Bay Fee 3.60 NERR WMA** Stratham Cabernet Bldrs., Great Bay Fee 18.60 NERR WMA** Total Fee Owned 2,537.28

Durham/ Popov IV Easement 63.37 Newmarket Newmarket Popov III Easement 27.95 Newmarket Macintosh Easement 76.80 Sutton SPNHF/Black Mountain Easement 1,054.00 Total CE Area 1,222.12

Total Lands Conserved 3,759.40

* Figures rounded to nearest hundredth of an acre ** National Estuarine Research Reserve Wildlife Management Area

48 2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT FACILITY AND LANDS DIVISION z

LAND ACQUIRED BY BIENNIUM

TOTAL ACREAGE ALL EASEMENT FEE THIS BIENNIUM Previous years 31,771 2001-2003 56,954 0 25,183 2003-2005 57,970 830 186 2005-2007 59,499 611 918 2007-2009 60,733 797 467 2009-2011 69,726 4,134 3,256

TOTAL ACREAGE EASEMENTS TOTAL ACREAGE ACQUIRED EASEMENT FEE THIS BIENNIUM ACQUIRED THIS BIENNIUM IN FEE Previous years 11,764 Previous years 20,007 2001-2003 11,764 0 2001-2003 45,190 25,183 2003-2005 12,594 830 2003-2005 45,376 186 2005-2007 13,205 611 2005-2007 46,294 918 2007-2009 14,002 797 2007-2009 46,761 467 2009-2011 18,600 4,134 2009-2011 51,126 3,256

Note: Data in bold type are from the new database. Discrepancies in totals for years prior to 2009 are the result of earlier reporting methods. The improved ac- curacy is due to the new database.

Total Fish and Game Property Interests

Fee Owned 51,126 acres Conservation Easements 18,600 acres Other Interests 2,772 acres

Where We’re Going The Division will The Facilities and Lands Division has several projects nearly ready for continue to manage construction, pending approval of environmental permits. These approvals are dams throughout the expected in time for the fall 2011 and following summer construction seasons. The Umbagog Lake ramp rehabilitation project was completed successfully last state and the N.H. year, and the addition of a floating dock system is under design. The Lake Su- Department of napee boat access site has been granted all three environmental permits needed Environmental for construction, however, these approvals remain under review in a legal Services will inspect appeal. and maintain The Division also continues to manage dams throughout the state. The the dams. N.H. Department of Environmental Services (DES) by agreement will continue to inspect and maintain the dams. The Division and DES continue to work cooperatively on current and upcoming dam maintenance projects.

2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT 49 z INLAND FISHERIES DIVISION

Stephen Perry Patricia B. Hersom John Kennedy Division Chief Executive Secretary, Region 4 Fish Culturist II

Scott Decker Berlin Hatchery Todd Lemieux Program Operations Supervisor Fish Culturist II Wayne Paschal Jason Smith Fish Culturist V Kyle Dussault Fish Culture Operations Supervisor Fish Culturist II Edward Malone John Magee Fish Culturist IV Christopher Warner Fisheries Biologist II – Fisheries Fish Culturist II Habitat Program Kevin Gauthier Fish Culturist II Powder Mill Dianne Timmins Hatchery Fisheries Biologist II – Coldwater Luke Jadwin Fisheries Program, Region 1 Fish Culturist II Tom Givetz Fish Culturist V Donald Miller Jared Irwin Fisheries Biologist II – Large Lake Fish Culturist II Kevin Dale Fisheries Program, Region 2 Fish Culturist IV Brian Newton Matthew Carpenter Fish Culturist II Roger Elliot Fisheries Biologist II – Fish Con- Fish Culturist II servation Program, Region 3 Milford Hatchery Chad Elliott Gabriel Gries Theresa Michaels-Ward Fish Culturist II Fisheries Biologist II – Warmwater Fish Culturist V Fisheries Program, Region 4 Mark Miller Joshua Borgeson Fish Culturist II Andrew Schafermeyer Fish Culturist IV Fisheries Biologist I, Region 1 Kevin Temple Donald Shuffleton Fish Culturist II John Viar Fish Culturist II Fisheries Biologist I, Region 2 Twin Mountain Louis Gagnon Hatchery Benjamin Nugent Fish Culturist II Fisheries Biologist I, Region 3 Thomas Paschal Kyle Glencross Fish Culturist IV Jason Carrier Fish Culturist II Fisheries Biologist I, Region 4 Christopher McGrath Sterling Baker Fish Culturist III Victoria Leonard Fish Culturist II Administrative Secretary Warren Hatchery New Hampton Hatchery Susan Fogg David Riel Executive Secretary, Region 1 Randall Ayer Fish Culturist IV Fish Culturist V Kristin Harmon Scott Phinney Executive Secretary, Region 2 Royce Benedict Fish Culturist III Fish Culturist IV

50 2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT INLAND FISHERIES DIVISION z

Managing Fisheries Recreational fishing is a strong mainstream activity in New Hampshire that provides families with one of the best ways to spend quality time together, fosters a passionate conservation ethic that plays a huge role in the successful stewardship of our aquatic resources, and is an economic powerhouse that permeates all levels of our economy. According to national survey data, New Hampshire’s freshwater anglers generate more than $106 million in fishing expenditures, with almost 60% of these expenditures going towards food, lodging and transportation. Clearly, it is in the state’s best interest for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department to be committed to securing the benefits provided from fishing, with the Inland Fisheries Division taking the lead role in these efforts. It is the principal function of the Inland Fisheries Division to support the Department’s mission by taking a scientific approach to the effective management of the Fish New Hampshire and relax: A young angler is thrilled with her catch. state’s inland fisheries resources and habitats. There are 44 permanent personnel assigned to the division to help carry out this task. These positions include an administrator, 2 supervisors, 4 support staff (3 assigned to regional offices), 9 biologists (6 in regional offices), and 28 fish culturists (assigned to 6 hatchery facilities). The Inland Fisheries Division is responsible for the operation of six fish culture facilities that annually produce trout and salmon for stocking into roughly 350 lakes and ponds and more than 1,500 stream and river miles. The division also conducts research and management activities in five principal program areas: warmwater fisheries, coldwater fisheries, large lake fisheries, fish conservation and fisheries habitat.

Fish Culture Program The Inland Fisheries Fish and Game’s four major fish-production facilities are located in Division is responsible Berlin, Milford, New Hampton and New Durham, and its two smaller facilities for the operation of six are in Twin Mountain and Warren. These six facilities produced and distributed fish culture facilities fish needed for trout and salmon programs throughout the state. that annually produce In FY 2010 and FY 2011, fish culturists produced 491,227 pounds and 487,009 pounds of fish, respectively. They distributed 1.574 million fish in trout and salmon for 2010 and 1.719 million fish in 2011 to meet management needs for trout and stocking into roughly landlocked salmon. 350 lakes and ponds and Yearling, two-year-old and brood fish trout were produced for put-and- more than 1,500 stream take fisheries management throughout the state. Kennebago strain brook trout and river miles. fingerlings were produced for put-grow-and-take fisheries management in remote trout ponds, most of which are stocked by helicopter. Landlocked salmon yearlings were produced for put-grow-and-take management in lakes managed for landlocked salmon. Mature adult trout were available because the Department maintains brood fish populations for brook trout and brown trout egg production, thus reducing disease risk from import.

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Surplus brood fish (3+ year olds) are stocked in many waters, which provide an exciting dimension to the state’s trout fisheries. The excellent quality of trout and salmon produced at the hatcheries is the result of continued improvements in fish culture. These improvements include improved diets, better fish health monitoring, improved fish culture techniques and hard work by fish culturists. The annual total costs for trout production were $2,335,355 in FY 2010, and $2,608,188 for FY 2011; cost of production was $4.75/lb. of gain in FY 2010 and $9.35/lb. of gain in FY 2011. Capital improvements at Fish and Game’s fish culture facilities focused mainly on National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permit compliance. Warren and Twin Mountain hatcheries were the two remaining facilities for Capital Improvements in this biennium. Discharge pipes were consolidated, treatment systems were operated to remove solids for useful land application as fish manure, winter storage in former fish pro- Fishing guide Nathan Hill with duction containers or planned for settling basin construction, monitoring 3-year-old trout. vaults were installed, where required, to allow for 24-hour composite sampling and testing of multiple water quality parameters. Pipe consolidation has now been completed at all six hatcheries.

Pipe consolidation underway at Twin Mountain Hatchery. During the biennium, improvements were made at all six New Hampshire hatcheries to comply with National Pollution Discharge Elimination System standards.

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ALL HATCHERIES SUMMARY FISCAL YEAR 2010

SIZE AND NUMBER OF FISH PRODUCED SPECIES 1+YR 2+YR 3+YR FINGERLING Grand Total ATS 60 60 BT 149,427 2,145 1,158 140,406 293,136 EBT 499,587 18,476 3,431 265,192 786,686 LLS 56,559 34,969 91,528 RT 310,436 86,265 396,701 TT 6,501 6,501 Grand Total 1,022,510 20,621 4,649 526,832 1,574,612

SIZE AND POUNDS OF FISH PRODUCED SPECIES 1+YR 2+YR 3+YR FINGERLING Grand Total ATS 300.00 300.00 BT 68,166.00 1,703.00 2,522.00 2,457.86 74,848.86 EBT 193,208.35 22,787.00 7,028.00 3,022.37 226,045.72 LLS 5,476.00 684.00 6,160.00 RT 168,606.00 5,421.00 174,027.00 TT 1,413.00 1,413.00 Grand Total 436,869.35 24,490.00 9,850.00 11,585.23 482,794.58

ALL HATCHERIES SUMMARY FISCAL YEAR 2011

SIZE AND NUMBER OF FISH PRODUCED SPECIES 1+YR 2+YR 3+YR FINGERLING Grand Total ATS 667 667 BT 141,718 3,937 656 78,992 225,303 EBT 480,984 19,808 3,382 596,634 1,100,808 LLS 44,909 44,909 RT 289,705 180 35 52,470 342,390 TT 5,300 5,300 Grand Total 962,616 23,925 4,740 728,096 1,719,377

SIZE AND POUNDS OF FISH PRODUCED SPECIES 1+YR 2+YR 3+YR FINGERLING Grand Total ATS 2,255 2,255 BT 69,102 2,796 1,661 1,279 74,838 EBT 177,093 24,033 7,566 7,343 216,035 LLS 4,979 4,979 RT 187,008 311 105 145 187,569 TT 1,333 1,333 Grand Total 439,515 27,140 11,587 8,767 487,009

SPECIES KEY ATS= ATLANTIC SALMON LLS = LANDLOCKED SALMON BT= BROWN TROUT RT = RAINBOW TROUT EBT = EASTERN BROOK TROUT TT = TIGER TROUT

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Warmwater Fisheries Program Population Assessments Completed Assessments of warmwater fish populations include determining species abundance, size and condition statistics, and age and growth parameters. During the biennium, warmwater fish population assessments were completed for the following ten waters: Baxter Lake, Clement Pond, Dublin Lake, Grassy Pond, Gregg Lake, Mt. Williams Pond, Opechee Lake, Sunrise Lake, War- ren Lake and Whittemore Lake. Additionally, a summer-long study was performed in 2009 to estimate the population size of black bass in Clement Pond, Grassy Pond, Gregg Lake and Warren Lake. This study generated data that supported these waters being managed (effective 2011) for quality black bass, via a winter slot- length limit. Surveys to evaluate young-of-the-year black bass were completed in 2009 on the Connecticut River, Big Squam Lake and Lake Winnipesaukee, and in 2010 on the Connecticut River, Big Squam Lake, Forest Lake (Whitefield), Spofford Lake and Warmwater fish assessments Lake Winnipesaukee. Black bass tournament data were analyzed for 2006 and include determining size and condition statistics. 2007. Efforts continued on a pilot study to improve warmwater fish habitat in Harrisville Pond. Northern pike populations were assessed during spring 2010 in Jericho Lake, Partridge Lake and Skatutakee Lake. Efforts were made in 2010 to document if recent illegal introductions of adult northern pike in Win- nisquam Lake had resulted in juvenile production; no juvenile northern pike were found.

Coldwater Fisheries Program Nash Stream Watershed Research was conducted on the movement and habitat use of hatchery and wild brook trout in the Nash Stream Watershed using PIT (Passive Inte- grate Transponder) tags. The PIT tag study was begun in 2007 and will continue through December 2011. The specific objectives of the research are to determine the influence of natural and human-made barriers (culverts) and stocking on the movement and genetic integrity of wild brook trout in the Nash Stream Watershed. As part of this study, PIT tags were used to study the populations and movements of brook trout in four Nash Stream tributaries: Emerson, John- son, Long Mountain and Slide brooks. Fish were actively and passively tracked throughout the ice-free seasons, and our dataset of actively tracked PIT-tagged fish is perhaps the largest and most detailed of its kind in the world. Additionally, in 2008, biologists collected tissue samples from approximately 800 brook trout in the watershed. This research showed that PIT tags allow biologists to wild and hatchery brook trout make extensive movements for two appar- track the movements of brook trout. ent reasons – to move away from relatively high water temperatures and to

54 2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT INLAND FISHERIES DIVISION z spawn. At this time, it appears that much, and possibly, most of the spawning occurs in the tributaries and not in the mainstem of Nash Stream. The habitat-use research has documented that brook trout strongly prefer areas with instream wood and pools, and that the removal of barriers may increase the population size in a given tributary. Based on the analysis of genetic data, some of the populations of wild brook trout in the watershed are isolated from each other, both by natural (waterfalls) and human-made (culverts) barriers.

Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture Surveys were conducted in the central and southern por- tions of the state to carry out brook trout presence/absence surveys at the catchment level. This unit is smaller than the original HUC 12 level. It was used for two reasons: one, because land use and landscape (physical) data already existed at this level, Tracking PIT-tagged brook and two, because it is a finer scale which enables more precise model develop- trout in Emerson Brook, ment. Catchments were developed by the US Geological Survey and Environ- Nash Stream State Forest, November 2010 mental Protection Agency as a water quality model, but they work perfectly to summarize/predict brook trout distribution at the subwatershed level. It is also easier to track restoration and conservation efforts at this more fine-tuned level. During this biennium: • Over 31,000 stream meters were surveyed. • 139 of 280 sites have documented wild brook trout populations. This brook trout status database is being made available to other entities throughout the state to assist with brook trout conservation.

Radio Telemetry Research on the movement and habitat use of wild brook trout in the Dead Diamond and Swift Diamond rivers continued in 2010. No migration research was performed in 2009. The objective of this research is to determine which variable, temperature or flow, most influences wild brook trout movement in the Diamond watersheds. Personnel radio-tagged 15 brook trout in 2010. These fish were tagged in the Dead Diamond and Swift Diamond rivers and ranged in size from 220 mm and 101 g to 457 mm and 1074 g. The weather was hot and dry throughout the summer and all of the fish tagged in the Dead Diamond River dropped down into the Magalloway during the period between the end of June and first week in July. The fish tagged in the Swift were difficult to locate, but it appears that all of those remained in the Swift. We did monitor past spawning grounds and documented that some spawning occurred in the Dead, but not by tagged fish; they spawned in the Magalloway. The Dead Diamond fish overwintered in the Magalloway and Androscoggin Rivers. The Swift Diamond fish appeared to exhibit no pattern in their up/down movement and remained in the Swift into the winter. Further analysis is currently underway on all of the data collected since 2005 to determine what drives most of the movement, temperature or flow, in the Dead and now recently in the Swift.

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Large Lakes Fisheries Program Lake Trout Spawning Stock Assessment The objectives of this study were to assess the size-related (length, weight and relative weight) statistics of lake trout populations in selected lakes. Gill nets were used to capture lake trout during the fall spawning season. Specimens were sexed, measured, weighed and then released away from the capture/spawning site. In 2009, Newfound and Nubanusit lakes were sampled. A total of 36 lake trout were processed at Newfound Lake and ranged in total length (16.7- 35.2 in.) and weight (1.3 – 16.8 lb.). A total of 27 lake trout were processed at Nubanusit Lake and ranged in total length (17.5-35.9 in.) and weight (1.5-19.8 lb.). In 2010, Nubanusit Lake was sampled. A total of nine (9) lake trout were processed and ranged in total length (15.6-35.5 in.) and weight (1.1 – 19.8 lb.).

Landlocked Salmon Stock Assessment The objectives of this study were to monitor age and growth statistics of landlocked salmon in selected lakes. Data from these assessments are used to modify annual stocking rates in order to attain management goals. In 2009, 212 landlocked salmon were processed at Big Squam Lake; they ranged in total length (17.8 – 26.2 in.) and weight (1.9 – 6.8 lb.). At Sunapee Lake, 90 landlocked salmon were processed, and they ranged in total length (17.6 – 24.4 in.) and weight (1.9 – 6.5 lb.). At Lake Win- nipesaukee, inclusive from two netting locations, 336 landlocked salmon were processed, and they ranged in total length (14.8 – 24.0 in.) and weight (1.1– 4.7 lb.). In 2010, 160 landlocked salmon were processed at Big Squam Lake; they ranged in total length (13.2 – 29.6 in.) and weight (0.9 – 9.3 lb.). At Sunapee Lake, 60 landlocked salmon were processed, and they ranged in total length (17.5 – 26.7 in.) and weight (2.0 – 7.7 lb.). At Lake Winnipesaukee, inclusive from two netting locations, 434 landlocked salmon were processed, and they ranged in total length (11.4 – 24.2 in.) and weight (0.3 – 5.8 lb.). Biologist Don Miller with large landlocked salmon. Mobile Hydroacoustic and Pelagic Trawl Net Surveys The objective of these surveys is to assess the population status of pelagic forage fish (primarily rainbow smelt) in lakes managed to provide landlocked salmon and/or lake trout fisheries. The acoustic data collected during the survey includes number of pelagic forage fish (targets/per ping) encountered and respective target strength of forage fish, in decibels. During 2009, surveys were conducted for the following large lakes: Big Squam, Little Squam, Newfound, Nubanusit, Sunapee, Winnipesaukee and Winnisquam. In 2010, Winnipesaukee and Winnisquam lakes were surveyed. Winnipesaukee and Big Squam lakes exhibited the highest number of forage

56 2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT INLAND FISHERIES DIVISION z fish targets/ping. Trawl net catches in all lakes were dominated by age-0 rainbow smelt, with adult smelt and age-0 white perch comprising a minor portion of the net catch.

Tributary-Spawning Rainbow Smelt Assessment The study objectives were to determine the size characteristics, age composition and sex ratio of rainbow smelt spawning in selected tributaries of New Hampshire lakes. In the spring of 2009, Winnipesaukee, Newfound and Big Squam lakes were surveyed. In 2010, in addition to these three lakes, Mascoma Lake and Clough Pond were also surveyed. Comparison of these size, age and sex parameters among and within lakes, and with past data sets provides information on the status of these spawning populations. In 2009, age 1 rainbow smelt dominated the spawning runs in Winnipesaukee (Poor Farm Brook), and Newfound Lake (Georges Brook), while (>age 1) rainbow smelt were more abundant at Big Squam Lake (Camp Hale Brook). Mean total length of spawning rainbow smelt was greatest in Big Squam Lake (82 mm), while Winnipesaukee and Newfound lakes were identical at (71 mm). In 2010, age 1 rainbow smelt dominated the spawning runs in Winnipesaukee (Poor Farm Spawning rainbow smelt were Brook), Newfound Lake (Wagon Wheel Brook) and Big Squam Lake (Camp surveyed during the biennium. Hale Brook). The spawning runs in Mascoma River-inlet (Mascoma Lake) and no-name inlet (Clough Pond) were skewed toward older rainbow smelt (>age 1). Mean total length of spawning rainbow smelt in descending order was Mascoma Lake and Clough Pond (equal), Newfound, Big Squam and Winnipe- saukee lakes (range 101-76 mm ). The predominance of age-1 rainbow smelt in spawning runs is unusual; it is likely that the age composition observed in Win- nipesaukee and Newfound lakes is indicative of high mortality rates caused in part by salmonid (landlocked salmon, rainbow trout, and lake trout) predation.

Landlocked Salmon Anglers’ Pledge The Landlocked Salmon Anglers’ Pledge initiative, developed during the biennium, is a cooperative, volunteer effort to help sustain the quality of the landlocked salmon fisheries in New Hampshire’s large lakes. Over the past six years, fisheries biologists have observed a dramatic increase in the incidence of hook wounded (visible scars and tears of the jaw, throat, and eye areas) landlocked salmon in New Hampshire’s large lakes. At Lake Winnipesaukee, from 2005-2010, landlocked salmon hook wounding rates increased from 15 to 36 percent of the catch. Hook-wounded fish are typically shorter in length and lighter in weight than their non-hook-wounded counterparts. Proper handling and release techniques are an integral part of the Pledge. Pledge brochures as well as promotional decals are being distributed Conserving this Unique Fishery to anglers who are willing to do their part in “conserving this unique fishery through Responsible Angling through responsible angling.”

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Fish Conservation Program Fish Species of Greatest Conservation Concern Fish survey data was as valuable as it was scarce during the development of the New Hampshire Wildlife Action Plan. Over the biennium, a high priority for the Fish Conservation Program has been to gather as much fish survey data as possible into a single database that includes contributions from The Fish Conservation multiple agencies, including the N.H. Department of Environmental Services Program has played and the US Forest Service, and projects, including the Eastern Brook Trout an effective role as a Joint Venture and habitat mapping for threatened and endangered fish. The re- facilitator of aquatic sult is a database containing fish data from nearly 15,000 sites throughout New habitat conservation Hampshire. and restoration by This fish database has become a valuable resource for conservation. collecting and Distribution maps and survey records of fish species of concern have been used to support land protection projects, culvert replacements, dam removals, and disseminating other restoration activities. Fish data was sent to the University of New Hamp- information about the shire and the US Environmental Protection Agency in an evaluation of coldwa- distribution, status, and ter stream habitat. The UNH Stormwater Center has used fish data in support of conservation needs new stormwater management practices, known as Low Impact Development. of New Hampshire’s Watershed Associations, land trusts and towns have incorporated recommenda- aquatic species and tions based on fish survey work into management plans. The Nature Conser- habitats of concern. vancy, the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests and the Trust for Public Land have all used fish survey data to help prioritize and support larger scale land conservation efforts. The Fish Conservation Program has played an effective role as a facilitator of aquatic habitat conservation and restoration by collecting and disseminating information about the distribution, status, and conservation needs of New Hampshire’s aquatic species and habitats of concern.

Diadromous Species Fish and Game continued participating in the cooperative federal-state anadromous fish restoration programs for the Merrimack River and Connecti- cut River basins. Approximately 4.5 million Atlantic salmon fry were released into the two watersheds during the biennium. Recommended changes to the Merrimack salmon restoration program, including a streamlined fry stocking effort and a shift in focus toward evaluating the potential for natural reproduc- tion in the Souhegan River, were approved at the 2011 Merrimack River Policy Committee Meeting. Approximately 820 American shad and 7,000 river herring were trans- ported into New Hampshire waters in the Merrimack and Connecticut River watersheds in the spring of 2010. Very few shad or river herring reach New Hampshire waters, due to ongoing fish passage problems at dams in other states. Resolving these fish passage issues and transporting adult shad and river herring to spawning habitat in New Hampshire will continue to be a major focus of the Fish Conservation Program.

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Fish Habitat Program The Fish Habitat Program has worked with many partners, including state and federal agencies and non-governmental organizations, on dam removals and stream restorations in New Hampshire. Of particular significance is the Nash Stream Restoration Project, with Trout Unlimited and the N.H. Depart- ment of Resources and Economic Development as partners. This project’s objectives are to restore instream and riparian habitat and natural geomorphic function to Nash Stream, and habitat connectivity (fish passage) to the entire watershed. It is a multi- year project, and as of March 2011, more than $1.2 million has been secured to complete this work. Also A restored section of Warren dovetailed into this restoration project is innovative research focused on the Brook, Alstead. Work was movement of and habitat use by wild and hatchery brook trout in the water- completed in October 2010. shed. Additional funds were secured to broaden this research and to keep it going through calendar year 2011. The Fish Habitat Program also became an active partner in the Indian Stream Restoration Project, spearheaded by Trout Unlimited and very similar to the Nash Stream Restoration Project, and the South Branch Piscataquog Restoration Project. Both projects seek to restore impacted brook trout habitat. The Fish Habitat Program also continues to provide technical assistance to others to promote rules and regulations to ensure the long-term protection of healthy fish populations, and to groups working on stream restorations. One such example is the efforts of USDA-NRCS and the Tin Mountain Conserva- tion Center to start a pilot project to restore instream wood in 15 streams in Carroll County.

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Colonel Martin S. Garabedian Jeremy R. Hawkes Chief of Law Enforcement Robert M. Mancini Jr. James E. Kneeland Major Kevin J. Jordan Assistant Chief of Law Enforcement District 4 Lieutenant Craig D. Morrocco Captain John B. Wimsatt Sergeant David P. Walsh OHRV Program Coordinator Conservation Officers: Delayne T. Brown Lieutenant Robert H. Bryant Todd E. Szewczyk Administrative Lieutenant Eric S. Hannett William J. Boudreau Lisa M. LaChapelle Administrative Secretary District 5 Lieutenant James S. Juneau Tracy L. Feinauer Sergeant Scott F. LaCrosse OHRV Program Assistant Conservation Officers: Kristen L. Ritz Christopher G. McKee Radio Dispatcher Michael J. Matson Justin W. Ferland District 1 Geoffrey M. Pushee Lieutenant Douglas J. Gralenski Sergeant Wayne T. Saunders District 6 Lieutenant Jeffrey A. Marston Conservation Officers: Sergeant - Vacant Matthew W. Holmes Adam P. Cheney Conservation Officers: Christopher J. Egan Eric M. Fluette Glenn C. Lucas Ronald B. Arsenault Mark W. Ober Jr. Josiah R. Towne Geoffrey A. Younglove Conservation Officer Trainees: District 2 James J. Benvenuti Lieutenant James S. Goss Christopher T. Brison Sergeant Brian E. Abrams Jonathan M. Delisle Conservation Officers: Deputy Conservation Officers: Mark T. Hensel Jeffrey M. Gray Michael G. Eastman Christopher G. Berg Bradley R. Morse Brian R. Lamarre Alex Lopashanski Kevin D. Whiting Douglas L. Moorhead District 3 John E. Whitmore Lieutenant Jonas Todd Bogardus John J. Sampson Sergeant Brian J. Suttmeier Claude B. Dumont Conservation Officers: Timothy R. McClare Heidi F. Murphy Timothy J. Acerno Thomas M. Dakai David S. Eskeland Gregory T. Jellison

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Meeting the Enforcement Challenge Staffing of the Law Enforcement Division continued to be problematic during this biennium. At the end of the biennium, the Division was still three Con- servation Officers short of the number needed to maintain level staffing of 48 Despite being short of officers. This, along with increasing calls for service from the public, is placing staff and funding, the a strain on certain enforcement programs. Law Enforcement As was true with the last biennium, the Law Enforcement Division Division continues to received a zero appropriation for equipment from the Fish and Game Fund in provide life saving each fiscal year. Funding from the Off-Highway Recreation Vehicle (OHRV) assistance and prompt Program and Joint Enforcement Agreement continues to supplement the equipment needs of our Conservation Officers. We continue to pursue additional service to the public. funding sources, such as federal grants, to supplement our general expenses. During the 2011 legislative session, it was determined that the Department will receive an additional $50,000 appropriation to assist the search-and-rescue budget in the coming biennium. Conservation Officers have provided, and will continue to provide, assistance and prompt service to our constituents when able to do so.

SEARCH AND RESCUE New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Conservation Officers conducted numerous search and rescue missions during the past biennium for a wide variety of victims, including hikers, snowmobilers, elderly people and children. Conservation Officers continue to receive valuable assistance during these public safety missions from members of many professional volunteer search-and-rescue teams throughout the state. Highlights of some of these missions include: • In February 2009, officers searched for two overdue Canadian hikers who were attempting a Presidential traverse. During adverse conditions, the two hikers lost their way while completing the Crawford Ridge section of the traverse. Rescue teams searched this rugged area, facing challenging conditions themselves. The hikers were located deep in the Dry River area and were airlifted to safety by the N.H. Army National Guard helicopter. • April 2009 kept searchers busy with a challenging search for a 17-year-old missing Boy Scout, lost and then stranded by high-water conditions created by

spring rains and snowmelt deep in the A searcher traverses Franconia heart of the Great Gulf Wilderness. The hiker was attempting to complete Ridge. an aggressive day hike, which included summiting Mt. Washington and then continuing on to Mt. Madison. He was delayed and decided to head into the unforgiving Great Gulf area, in an effort to bail out of his plan. Search teams

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New Hampshire Fish had to contend with the remoteness of the primary search area, as well as the and Game Department need for technical rope traverses to accomplish swollen brook crossings deep Conservation Officers in the wilderness. The young man was eventually located after spending two conducted numerous unplanned nights out in this mountainous terrain. He was found traversing his way back along the ridge towards Mt. Washington, after he had eventu- search and rescue ally made his way off-trail up and out of the Great Gulf. missions during the • In June 2009, Conservation Officers and volunteers searched three days past biennium for a for a missing Canadian hiker who had planned a day hike to the summit of wide variety of victims, Mount Washington and then back to Pinkham Notch. The older hiker had not including hikers, been heard from by friends and family for seven days prior to being reported snowmobilers, elderly missing. Searchers found his vehicle at Pinkham Notch and began the search people and children. around Mount Washington in poor weather and visibility conditions. Sadly, the hiker was eventually located, deceased, on Mt. Washington in July. • During March 2010, search-and-rescue crews assisted a hiker who had fallen approximately 1,500 feet down into King’s Ravine while he was descending from the summit of Mt. Adams via the Gulfside Trail in Randolph. Remark- ably, the hiker was not seriously injured, but merely stranded. He was able to utilize a cell phone to call for help. Rescue crews located him and helped him out to the trailhead. • In September 2010, search teams conducted a six-day search for an 85-year- old woman who had become disoriented and lost while taking what was sup- posed to be a short walk in Waterville Valley. The multi-day search involved numerous volunteers and personnel, who searched a vast area of Waterville Valley. Through continuing search efforts, the deceased woman was eventually located in a remote area 2½ miles from her home in October 2010.

Search-and-Rescue Skills Training Law Enforcement Division members completed training during the biennium to reinforce their skills in GPS and ground navigation, Maptech computer use to aid in conducting search missions, High Angle Rescue and High Water Rescue techniques, as well as Avalanche Terrain Navigation and Rescue techniques. Through generous donations received from rescued victims and families, the division was able to obtain upgraded Garmin GPS units, cold weather gear Search and Rescue Team and upgraded Avalanche Transceivers to be utilized during rescue missions. This biennium also saw the Law Enforcement Division conduct its first concentrated one-week Warden’s School for newly hired law enforcement trainees. The school provided the trainees with training in search-and-rescue techniques, navigation, water craft use, coastal marine enforcement and conducting hunting-related shooting investigations. This school enabled the train-

62 2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION z ees to learn from veteran officers on techniques to give them a head start during their yearlong training period, as they hone their skills for becoming full-time Conservation Officers. hikeSafe The Law Enforcement Division continues to promote and receive endorsements for the hikeSafe educational program, in an effort to help educate the outdoor recreating public. The program, created in 2003 by a partnership of the N.H. Fish and Game Department and the White Mountain National Forest, was designed to educate the public in preparing to act safely and responsibly while embarking on their outdoor pursuits. This biennium, the hikeSafe program was additionally adopted and endorsed by Baxter State Park in Maine, as well as the Adirondack Mountain Club in upstate New York. Information on hikeSafe and the Hiker Responsibility Code can be found at hikesafe.com and at major hiking trailheads and facilities throughout the state.

Funding Search and Rescue 2011 legislation was brought forward by the State Legislature in an effort to provide additional search-and-rescue funding for the N.H. Fish and Game Department. The funding is needed to enable the Law Enforcement Division to effectively and efficiently coordinate its search-and-rescue responsibilities throughout the state. As a result of the legislation, several outdoor groups, including the Appalachian Mountain Club, the Randolph Mountain Club and the NH Outdoor Council, came together to recommend funding initiatives that would ensure proper search-and-rescue funding for the Department. At the time of this writing, these funding alternatives to the legislation continue to be pursued and developed.

Search-and-Rescue Missions Missions:

During the biennium, the Law Enforcement July 2009 to June 2010 Division participated in 314 Search and Rescue (SAR) Total Missions 186 SAR 177 missions. Of these, 17 dive recovery missions were Drowning 9 conducted for people who drowned on New Hamp- shire’s lakes and rivers. July 2010 to June 2011 Total Missions 161 SAR 153 MARINE SPECIES ENFORCEMENT Drowning 8 With respect to its role in Marine Species En- Cost of Search and Rescue Missions this Biennium: July 2009 to June 2010 $214,390 forcement, the Law Enforcement Division faced a new July 2010 to June 2011 $254,457 enforcement challenge in ensuring compliance with the federal saltwater recreational angler registry in 2010 and in the enforcement of the newly required N.H. Recreational Saltwater Fish- ing License in 2011. This new license requirement was well publicized, and as a result, Conservation Officers are finding high level of compliance, with the majority of recreational fishermen having obtained the license prior to fishing in saltwater. The Law Enforcement Division continued its involvement in the Joint Enforcement Agreement (JEA) with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric

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Administration, Office of Law Enforcement. This program provides many coastal states with federal funding for enforcement patrols, equipment, training and public outreach aimed at the seeking compliance with federal fisheries regulations, including those for lobster, groundfish and tuna. New Hampshire’s involvement allows the Division to enforce federal fisheries regulations and assist in the protection of these valuable resources. Additional boat patrols seeking voluntary compliance with a newly formed cod spawning area closure in nearby federal waters were also conducted in the spring of 2011 under this program. Funding provided through this program enabled the purchase of patrol vehicles, surveillance equipment and additional officer safety equipment, as well as providing for the repowering of a 27-foot patrol vessel. The Division is also responsible for participation in the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), which also provides some funding for the enforcement of its regulated species, such as lobster, northern shrimp and striped bass. This commission is comprised of the states along the Atlantic coast from Maine to Florida, and enables the cooperative management of many marine species. The ability to adequately enforce the provisions of the ASMFC’s species management plans is required to ensure the protection of many of these valuable resources. The Law Enforcement Division continued conducting

Conservation Officers inspect at-sea patrols for the enforcement of the Atlantic Large Whale a lobster catch. Take Reduction Plan. This plan requires fixed gear fished at sea to conform to certain requirements, one of which is that buoys attached to the gear be equipped with weak links designed to break away if a whale becomes entan- gled in the fishing gear. Shellfish harvesting areas were also monitored both day and night, with harvesters being checked for proper licensing, compliance with seasons and possession limits, and to ensure that the shellfish were being taken in areas open for harvest.

HOMELAND SECURITY The administrative staff at Fish and Game Headquarters has continued to play a critical role this biennium in the New Hampshire Emergency Opera- tion Center (EOC) funded by Homeland Security. Officers participated in various emergency drills simulating natural or manmade disasters, which included Seabrook Nuclear Power Station and Vermont Yankee Nuclear Plant drills and exercises. Whenever weather-related alerts or any major event is occurring with potential of creating statewide consequences, the Emergency Operations Center is activated and Officers from New Hampshire Fish and Game respond to the EOC headquarters to assist with public safety challenges.

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Homeland Security Grants continued to help provide enhanced emergency equipment for use in Law Enforcement operations this biennium. A previous grant from Homeland Security, had been used in part to purchase a Search and Rescue Airboat to enhance our search capabilities in thin ice conditions, to improve our capabilities in providing security and conducting rescue missions involving fast-water conditions, and to enhance our Law Enforcement Division Dive Team response capabilities. That earlier grant also allowed New Hampshire Fish and Game to purchase additional underwater camera equipment. This equipment included a remote-operated and tethered underwater camera system used to search and scan under water during search Dive team members board the missions. airboat. In 2010, the division applied for additional grant funding to upgrade this camera equipment. The award was granted by the Department of Safety Grants Office in March of 2011. This additional grant award allowed us to purchase two primary upgrades to this camera equipment: 1. A robotic arm to enhance our abilities to hold and/or retrieve an object of interest underwater. 2. Global Positioning System capabilities, which will greatly improve our ability to pinpoint the exact location of any item underwater. New Hampshire Fish and Game is the only state agency with an under- New Hampshire Fish water search and recovery dive team. These divers have conducted missions and Game is the only for New Hampshire State Police, county and local police agencies to search/ state agency with an recover evidence of crimes including, but not limited to, explosive materials, underwater search and firearms and victims. This equipment will provide us with enhanced capabilities in the event of the need to locate and identify weapons of mass destruction recovery dive team. or address terrorism activities, as well as in conducting search and recovery These divers have operations. We will be better equipped to safely respond to statewide requests conducted missions for for underwater surveillance and inspection of critical infrastructures. This ad- New Hampshire State ditional equipment has been purchased and, at the close of the biennium, we Police, county and local are waiting for the shipment to arrive so that we may begin training in the use police agencies. of this new equipment.

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Conservation Officers Recognized

Several Fish and Game Officers were distinguished during the biennium with special recognition:

The 2011 N.H. Snowmobile Association Easter Seals Ride-In was dedicated to Conservation Officers Chris Egan and Eric Hannett.

CO Brad Morse was honored as New Hampshire’s 2010 Shikar-Safari Club International Wildlife Officer of the Year.

CO Todd Szewczyk of Hollis was named New Hampshire’s 2010 Northeast Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association Conservation Officer of the Year.

CO Adam Cheney was named the Shikar-Safari Club International Wildlife Officer of the Year for 2009.

CO Michael J. Matson was honored as the 2009 Northeast Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association Conservation Officer of the Year.

CO Christopher McKee received the Life Saving Award for his courageous response helping victims of a car accident in January 2010.

Enforcing Snowmobile Safety During the winter, Conservation Officers continue enforcement efforts to control excessive speed and modified exhausts while working cooperatively with landowners and snowmobile clubs to keep the trails safe. Loud exhaust is a primary complaint leading to the closing of snowmobile trails on private property, along with excessive speed and irresponsible riding. Conserva- tion Officers focus patrol efforts on these problems through speed enforcement details, trail patrols and community policing initiatives at a variety of snowmobiling events throughout the state. Conservation Officers conduct All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and trail bike enforcement patrols during the warmer months to address landowner complaints of unlawful operation off ap- Conservation Officers continue enforcement efforts to control exces- OHRV- Related Activities sive speed and modified FY 10 FY11 exhausts, while work- OHRV Registrations 77,354 80,293 ing cooperatively with Summons issued 1,191 1,110 Warnings 724 676 landowners and snow- Hours 11,162 12,347 mobile clubs to keep OHRVs checked 42,943 51,324 Safety Education hours 774 666 the trails safe.

66 2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION z proved trails. Officers work with riders, clubs and local law enforcement to control illegal operation and help ensure safety on a growing network of maintained and approved trails on state and private land. The Law Enforcement Division continues to administer the statuto- rily required Responsible Riders Safety Education Class to those who violate excessive speed, operate while intoxicated, disobey a police officer, skim open water or operate to endanger any person or property laws.

OHRV/Snowmobile Safety Education The Law Enforcement Division, through the OHRV/Snowmobile Safety Education Program, actively promotes the safe and responsible operation of all recreational vehicles, facilitating this objective through enhanced enforcement After 27 years with the New patrols and safety education classes. The objective is to modify the behavior Hampshire Fish and Game of the irresponsible rider and to promote safe and responsible riding. This is Department, Major Tim Acerno, longtime coordinator accomplished with the cooperation of the Bureau of Trails (at the N.H. Depart- of New Hampshire’s OHRV ment of Resources and Economic Development, or DRED), OHRV and snow- Law Enforcement programs, mobile clubs, and statewide associations. retired in 2010. Captain John Fish and Game continues to coordi- Wimsatt took charge as the nate over 330 volunteer OHRV and snow- new Administrative Captain, overseeing Fish and Game’s mobile instructors who, along with part-time Enforcement, Safety Education OHRV Regional Coordinators, conduct and Registration Programs. safety classes across the state with the assistance of local clubs, police/fire agencies and volunteers. Program staff continues to work with interested individuals, state associations and national organizations to develop new safety initiatives.

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OPERATION GAME THIEF Operation Game Thief was started as a nonprofit corporation in 1989 in an effort to provide a tip line for wildlife violations. The nonprofit corporation was dissolved in 2001 and the remaining funds were given to the New Hamp- shire Fish and Game Department to pay rewards for tips leading to arrests. During the biennium, interested Conservation Officers have formed the Opera- tion Game Thief Committee, which is in the process of establishing current and future goals for the program. The ultimate objective is to increase the amount of credible information received concerning wildlife violations. In 2010, we received 159 tips and took court action in 36 of those cases. In 2010, Operation To date, we have provided the public with the option of calling the Game Thief received Operation Game Thief hotline at New Hampshire Fish and Game headquarters during normal business hours or New Hampshire State Police Troop F on 159 tips and took nights and weekends. We have also provided an online reporting system avail- court action in 36 of able at our website (www.wildnh.com), and created new stickers, brochures and those cases. posters in an effort to publicize the program. As the biennium drew to a close we were working on a 2012 Opera- tion Game Thief Calendar, featuring stories and photographs of recent cases and offered for sale at various locations throughout the state. We also joined the International Association of Natural Resources Crimestoppers IANRC and participated in a conference in Bar Harbor Maine. Sgt. Wayne Saunders and Conservation Officer Christopher McKee represented the law Enforcement Division at the conference, where they shared and solicited ideas from other agencies with regard to their states’ respective Operation Game Thief programs. Future goals include creating a display which can be utilized at various public events, creation of a webpage with information about particular cases, and fundraising through private and corporate sponsorships.

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LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES

TYPE FY10 FY11 Warnings and summons OHRVs Checked 42,943 51,324

Work Activities (in hours) Law Enforcement Administrative Duties 6,108 6,517 Wildlife Activity 3,592 3,713 Fisheries 210 296 Reports 3,738 3,894 Equipment Maintenance 3,204 3,200 Training 5,422 5,126 Search and Rescue 7,157 8,628 Community Policing 1,524 1,286

Types of Violations Prosecuted Fishing without a license 543 479 Hunting without a license 20 5 Fishing violations 183 121 Clamming 5 10 Lobsters 22 18 Trapping 7 2 Dogs 4 3 Littering 55 38 Trespass 12 16 Deer 84 67 Hunting miscellaneous 77 64 False statement 2 0 Miscellaneous 162 181 Loaded firearm in a motor vehicle 43 41 Migratory birds 17 11 Bear 10 9 Shining 4 8 Illegal night hunting 4 9 Moose 24 12 Turkey 23 11 Negligent firearm discharge 0 3 Baiting of wildlife 36 35 Total violations PROSECUTED 1,337 1,143

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Doug Grout Beth Heckman Division Chief Research Reserve Assistant Education Coordinator Cheri Patterson Supervisor of Marine Programs Rachel Stevens Research Reserve Stewardship Kevin Sullivan Coordinator Marine Biologist II Steve Miller Renee Zobel Research Reserve Coastal Marine Biologist II Training Coordinator

Joshua Carloni Sheila Roberge Marine Biologist Research Reserve Volunteer Coordinator Michael Dionne Marine Biologist Paul St. Pierre (2010/2011) Devin Wadleigh (2009/2010) Robert Eckert Research Reserve Caretaker Marine Biologist Jay Sullivan Jessica Fischer Research Reserve Naturalist Marine Biologist Shannon O’Brien (2010/2011) Rebecca Heuss Katie Arey (2009/2010) Marine Biologist Research Reserve Program Assistant Conor O’Donnell Biological Technician Temporary Personnel

Bruce Smith Simon Beirne (2010/2011) Marine Biologist Biological Aide

Great Bay Research Jessica Devoid (2010/2011) Reserve Kim Trull (2009) Biological Aide Peter Wellenberger Research Reserve Manager Lon Robinson (2010/2011) Chris Warner (2009) Kelle Loughlin Biological Aide Research Reserve Education Coordinator Vacant Position

Paul Stacey (2011) Executive Secretary Kathy Mills (2009/2010) Research Reserve Research Coordinator

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Protecting Coastal Resources The Marine Fisheries Division is responsible for managing and protecting the rich natural resources of coastal New Hampshire. This includes all marine life of the state’s coast, harbors and estuaries. The Marine Fisheries Division manages and develops sampling programs for recreational and commercial species, both fisheries-dependent and fisheries-independent. The Division also oversees the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.

RECREATIONAL FISHING SURVEYS Recreational fishing surveys obtain information from anglers in the field and allow biologists to collect information on fish populations, as well as the anglers themselves. The New Hampshire Fish The types of information that can be derived from such programs include catch and Game Department man- rates, harvest rates and changes in angler effort over time. During this bien- ages the Great Bay Estuarine Research Reserve, which was nium, the Marine Division conducted two field creel surveys of recreational an- designated in 1989. glers in New Hampshire, as well as two logbook programs for popular marine species. Since 1979, Fish and Game has conducted a marine recreational fishing creel survey designed to gather catch, effort and other data from recreational saltwater anglers. The survey has been conducted in cooperation with the National Marine Fisheries Service since 1997, with the goal of improving the quality of the information being collected as well as the estimates that are derived from the survey. The information is used, along with similar data derived During this biennium, from the commercial fishery, for monitoring coastal resources and making management decisions. During the biennium, a total of 3,331 marine anglers the Marine Division were interviewed and 63 party boat fishing trips were sampled at sea. Atlantic conducted two field mackerel and Atlantic cod made up the largest portion of the catch. Anglers creel surveys of fishing from shore accounted for most of the effort, followed by private boat recreational anglers anglers and then anglers fishing from party or charter boats. in New Hampshire, as Winter rainbow smelt creel surveys were conducted in Great Bay and well as two logbook its tributaries to develop estimates of total catch and effort. In addition, infor- programs for popular mation was collected on age and sex composition of the smelt harvest. Success marine species. of the fishery often depends on factors unrelated to the abundance of fish, most notably ice conditions. Marine Division staff interviewed 1,353 recreational ice-anglers during the 2009 and 2010 winter seasons. The estimated catch from the survey was roughly 66,000 rainbow smelt with catch and effort being greatest in the Squamscott River, followed by the Great Bay, Oyster and Lamprey rivers. Catches of rainbow smelt have become considerably lower than recorded in the 1980s and early 1990s, but this is largely a result of reduced effort. The catch per unit effort of New Hampshire smelt anglers was 2.5 fish per hour in 2009 and 3.6 fish per hour in 2010.

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The Striped Bass Volunteer Angler Survey collected information about striped bass fishing trips in New Hampshire via personal logbooks for recreational anglers. A total of 70 anglers participated in the survey over the biennium, 47 in 2009 and 23 in 2010. The information is used in stock assessments to measure relative abundance of striped bass as well as to determine the size composition of both legal and sub-legal fish. Data from the logbooks showed a decline in striped bass catch rates but increasing harvest rates. The numbers of trips using bait or artificial tackle were nearly evenly split and most participants fished from a boat rather than shore. During 2009 and 2010, 6,471 yearling and 5,223 brood stock sea-run brown trout were released into Berry Brook, a coastal stream in Rye, N.H. A volunteer angler sea run brown trout logbook program was used to determine annual fishing effort. During 2009, 15 participating anglers reported taking 18 trips for sea-run brown trout, catching three fish. Catch and effort was similar in 2010, when nine participating anglers reported on 21 trips with a total catch of six brown trout.

COMMERCIAL HARVEST MONITORING In 2009 and 2010, the Marine Fisheries Division monitored commercial lobster, finfish and northern shrimp fisheries. Catch and effort data were collected on a monthly or annual basis from 568 lobster harvesters in 2009, and 509 in 2010, as well as 140 finfish harvesters who fished within New Hampshire coastal waters in 2009 and 2010. New Hampshire’s commercial lobster harvest totaled 1,155,402 pounds in 2009 and 1,040,285 pounds in 2010, while 104,155 pounds of finfish were harvested in 2009 and 136,925 in 2010. Commercial lobster landings data were also collected from New Hampshire dealers during the biennium. In 2009, dealers reported 2,985,159 pounds of lobster valued at $11,918,661 with an average price of $3.99 per pound. In 2010, 3,644,162 pounds of landed lobster were reported valuing $14,817,941, at an average price of $4.07 per pound. The northern shrimp commercial fishing season occurred from December 1 to May 5 for the 2009/2010 season and December 1 to February 28 for the 2010/2011 season. The Marine Fisheries Division collected a one-kilogram sample per week from shrimp catches during the season to determine size and sex structure of shrimp landings needed for annual stock assessments. Nineteen samples were collected during the biennium from catches totaling 48,218 pounds, and the majority of shrimp landed were females.

SAMPLING LOBSTER POPULATIONS In 2009 and 2010, the Marine Fisheries Division conducted five sepa- Biological data is collected rate surveys designed to evaluate the lobster stock in New Hampshire onboard commercial lobster coastal waters, including sea and port sampling, a ventless trap survey, a fishery vessels as part of the Marine Fisheries Division’s lob- SCUBA survey, and a young-of-year settlement index survey. ster sea-sampling program. The lobster sea-sampling program collects biological data onboard

72 2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT MARINE DIVISION z commercial lobster fishery vessels. A biologist accompanies a lobster harvester for a days tending of traps and records data on the catch. This type of sampling permits managers to assess information such as; catch rates and biological data on legal, sub-legal, egged and V-notched lobsters (a conservation method that protects a female lobster known to have borne eggs in the past). During the biennium, over 32,841 lobsters were sampled from 50 sea-sampling trips. The port sampling program collects biological data on marketable lobsters to compare trends with sea-sampling and detail the lobster fishery in federal waters that is landed in New Hampshire. Marine surveys help identify A biologist samples landed lobsters at a lobster dealer. During the biennium, critical juvenile lobster habitat 6,906 lobsters were assessed from 65 port samples. and produce relative abun- A ventless trap, SCUBA survey and settlement index survey were dance indices on different continued in 2009 and 2010. All three of these surveys are designed to iden- size-classes. tify critical juvenile lobster habitat and produce relative abundance indices on different size-classes. The ventless trap survey employed research lobster traps to target pre-recruit lobsters, resulting in 1,995 sampled individuals with an average carapace length of 69.4 millimeters. Department divers captured 2,756 juvenile lobsters during the SCUBA survey, which had a smaller average carapace length of 44.0 millimeters. The lobster settlement index survey used a suction device that allowed biologist to sample 41 recently settled post-lar- vae lobsters with an average carapace length of 22.6 millimeters. “Settlement” information allows biologists to evaluate the strength of a year class as soon as they settle out of the water column onto substrate, and may prove useful at predicting future catch rates and providing an early warning for fluctuations in population size. Identification of critical habitat and monitoring of population trends in The New Hampshire all life stages are important components to making sound management deci- lobster resource is sions. Information gathered during the above-entioned surveys, in combina- being heavily exploited, tion with the most recent American lobster stock assessment released in 2009, indicate that the New Hampshire lobster resource is being heavily exploited, but overfishing is but overfishing is not occurring and abundance levels are high. not occurring and abundance levels SURVEYING FISH POPULATIONS are high. Fisheries-independent surveys do not rely on recreational or commercial fishing effort to obtain information, but rather are controlled surveys scientifically designed to produce estimates of a population’s relative abundance and trends over time. Two surveys of this type used by the Marine Division are the Juvenile Finfish Seine Survey and the Maine-New Hampshire Inshore Trawl Survey. In 1997, a juvenile finfish survey was developed and implemented to monitor the relative abundance of juvenile finfish and forage fish that utilize New Hampshire’s estuaries as nursery areas. In 2009 and 2010, fixed sites were netted by seine monthly from June to November at 15 locations in Great Bay, Piscataqua River, Hampton Harbor and Little Harbor. A total of 180

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beach seine sweeps were hauled (90 each year), which allowed biologists to catch 10,934 crabs and juvenile fish in 2009, and 21,116 in 2010. The catches included 34 different finfish species and four species of crabs. The most abundant species encountered in both of the years were Atlantic silversides and striped killifish. Generally, the highest level of species diversity is observed in the Great Bay while the Piscataqua River produces the highest abundance of juvenile fishes sampled. Peak levels of juvenile fishes occurred in September at all locations. Another fisheries-independent survey is the inshore trawl survey that is cooperatively conducted with the Maine Department of Marine Resources biannually during each year of the biennium. In 2009, the Department assisted in 44 scientific tows, catching more than 8,000 kilograms of finfish, shellfish and other marine species. In 2010, 40 tows were conducted and nearly 6,000 kilograms were sampled. Over the biennium, 47 separate finfish species and 33 invertebrate species (shrimp, crabs, clams, etc.) were caught. In 2009, spiny dogfish and silver hake were the two most abundant species by weight per trawl, while Atlantic herring and spiny dogfish were the most abundant in 2010.

ANADROMOUS FISH RESTORATION Each spring, anadromous fish, primarily river herring, American shad and sea lamprey, return to the coastal rivers of New Hampshire to spawn. The long migrations of these fish are made even more difficult by the presence of barriers along their natal streams and rivers. The Department operated seven fishways at dams on six of the coastal rivers that are essential to the success of these species. During the spawning runs, biologists determine the numbers of returning fish by hand counting or tracking their passage with electronic counters at the fish ladders. The number of returning fish was estimated at 95,737 river herring in 2009 and 86,307 fish in 2010. American shad returns amounted to only 29 fish over the biennium. While these returns are lower than historical counts, they are slightly higher than the previous biennium. The greatest numbers of fish were The Winnicut River Dam in Greenland was removed dur- counted at the Lamprey River fish ladder and the least in the Exeter and Taylor ing the biennium, restoring rivers. miles of riverine habitat; a Biologists sampled the spawning fish to determine age, length, sex and run-of-river fish passage was species compositions within each of the rivers. Length and sex samples were constructed at the site. recorded for more than 3,400 river herring and 1,346 scale samples were aged in the two years. The age of returning fish were predominantly between four and six years with a few fish as old as eight. Information from these samples are being used in a coast-wide stock assessment of river herring. Division staff have been working with other government agencies and conservation partners on the restoration of the Winnicut River in Greenland, N.H., by removing the last mainstem barrier in 2010 and construction of a run- of-river fish passage structure in 2011, as well as construction of a fish ladder at Wiswall Dam on the Lamprey River in Durham, N.H.

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SMELT PROJECT In 2007, the states of Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts began to develop an integrated multi-state conservation plan for rainbow smelt. This project will provide state and regional baseline data on smelt distribution and abundance, habitat quality and threats. Field surveys document smelt spawning in rivers flowing into Great Bay and monitor smelt abundance, sex ratios and size distributions in the Winnicut, Oyster and Squamscott Rivers. A total of 166 fish were surveyed in these rivers during 2009, and 312 were sampled in 2010. Habitat conditions in each river are assessed by monitoring water quality, measuring algal growth rates and documenting in-stream habitat parameters. In addition, the genetic distinctness of populations and the contaminant and pathogen loads in body tissue were evaluated. The results will be used to identify conditions that support smelt spawning, threats to spawning habitats and populations, and strategies for protecting smelt in northeast rivers.

REGIONAL COUNCIL AND COMMISSION During the biennium, Marine Fisheries Division personnel continued to participate in the activities of the New England Fisheries Management Council (NEFMC) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASFMC). NEFMC develops marine fisheries management plans and advises the National Marine Fisheries Service in the conservation and utilization of Gulf of Maine fish stocks. JESSICA FISHER PHOTOS In 2009 and 2010, NEFMC worked on amending fisheries man- Smelt surveys provide biolo- agement plans for groundfish (e.g. cod, haddock, and flounder), sea herring, gists with state and regional baseline information on smelt scallops, monkfish, skates and habitat. Considerable effort was expended dur- distribution and abundance, ing the biennium by Council staff and members (including Marine Fisheries habitat quality and threats. Division personnel) working on plans for further management of the various fisheries and essential fish habitat protection. In its goal to protect and promote fisheries along the Atlantic seaboard, As a result of ASMFC ASMFC recommends coast-wide management measures, develops and admin- management, six of isters fisheries management plans and establishes positions on national legislation effecting member states. Once fisheries management plans are approved these species – striped and adopted by ASMFC, its 45 commissioners implement them through state bass, lobster, bluefish, regulatory action. Atlantic herring, spiny Adopted management plans important to New Hampshire affect striped dogfish and northern bass, lobster, bluefish, menhaden, Atlantic herring, winter flounder, shad and shrimp – have been river herring, American eels, spiny dogfish and northern shrimp. As a result taken from a condition of ASMFC management, six of these species – striped bass, lobster, bluefish, of being overfished to Atlantic herring, spiny dogfish and northern shrimp – have been taken from a a status of not being condition of being overfished to a status of not being overfished. overfished.

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GREAT BAY GREAT BAY RESEARCH RESERVE NATIONAL ESTUARINE The Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (GBNERR) is a RESEARCH cooperative federal-state partnership between Fish and Game and the National RESERVE Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). GBNERR is one of 28 Re- serves around the nation and includes 10,235 acres of tidal water, wetlands and upland forests and fields. The program was evaluated by NOAA in May 2010. The evaluation findings can be found on the Reserve’s web page, greatbay.org. The Reserve’s visitor center and educational headquarters are located at the Great Bay Discovery Center in Greenland, N.H. Also located there is the Hugh Gregg Coastal Conservation Center, which serves as a training and meeting facility. Over 15,000 people a year use the Reserve’s facilities. The Reserve partners with the University of New Hampshire to monitor the water quality of Great Bay and funds research to support biomonitoring efforts. The Reserve hosts training workshops for coastal decision makers through its Coastal Training Program. The Reserve maintains an active stewardship program and manages all of the properties that lie within the Great Bay NERR Wildlife Man- agement Area. A major focus is the control and removal of invasive plant View of the saltmarsh from the boardwalk at the Great species. The Reserve is also a founding member of the N.H. Coastal Watershed Bay Discovery Center. Invasive Partnership.

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Great Bay Special Collections Exhibit Opens

The Reserve opened a new Special Collections Exhibit in June of 2011. Located in the lower level of the Hugh Gregg Coastal Conservation Center, the exhibit explores the history of hunting and fishing in the Great Bay Estuary. Many of the artifacts in the collection were donated by local people whose families have lived in the area and carried on the pastimes of hunting and fishing. Some of the items were the property of Richard Schanda, who for many years wrote a column about the outdoors for the local papers under the pen name of Joe Dixx. Many of the unique artifacts on display demonstrate the techniques of duck hunting and the equipment used. Two antique sneak boats, both of which were used extensively on Great Bay, are part of the exhibit. There are many different donated decoys from early carved ones to modern ones on display. Also on The new Special Collections Exhibit opened in June 2011. view are a classic “bob house” or “fish shanty,” along with a sled once used to transport the fishing equipment and bob house onto the ice. Shellfishing was once a major activity on the bay, and there are many items in the collection that reflect this. Old photographs, fishing and hunting licenses, advertisements and other ephemera are incorporated into the exhibits. The Special Collections Exhibit, through its use of artifacts and displays, honors the history of hunting and fishing of Great Bay and its importance, as well as the Center’s partner, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Today, despite the development along the shores of Great Bay and its rivers, sportsmen and women are still out on the bay using many of the same techniques as those used by past generations. The public is invited to come learn more about the history of these activities through this new exhibit.

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Judy Stokes, M.S., APR Tom Flynn Division Chief Owl Brook Facility Manager, Trapper Education Coordinator Kathy Galvin Administrative Secretary Eric Geib Owl Brook Hunter Education CONSERVATION Program Assistant EDUCATION PUBLIC INFORMATION WILDLIFE EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

Judy Silverberg, Ph.D. INFORMATION UNIT Naturalist, Wildlife Education Programs Supervisor Liza Poinier Information Programs Supervisor Marilyn Wyzga Wildlife Educator Jane Vachon Informational Representative Mary Goodyear Wildlife Educator Pam Riel Publications Manager HUNTER/AQUATIC EDUCATION Victor Young Publications Designer Laura Ryder Hunter and Aquatic Education BROADCAST MEDIA AND ProgramsSupervisor MARKETING UNIT

Lisa Collins Jon Charpentier Program Assistant Broadcast Media and Marketing Manager Judy Tumosa Aquatic Resources Education Jason Philippy Coordinator Broadcast Media Specialist

Karina Walsh Mark Beauchesne “Let’s Go Fishing” Program Advertising and Promotions Coordinator Coordinator

Tina Davenport Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program Assistant

Josh Mackay Hunter Education Program Coordinator

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Connecting with People The Fish and Game Department has a great crew of employees that are experts in biology, habitat management, accounting, facilities and lands acquisition and law enforcement. Read this biennial report and you will see for yourself the value of their services in achieving the mission of this Department. Public Affairs Division staff gets the word out about all these activities, plus communicating vital information about opportunities to hunt, fish and watch wildlife. We work with teachers and schools to make sure that New Hampshire teachers have the skills they need to inspire our children to ask questions about the outdoors and to learn the basics of habitat, wildlife species, watersheds and population management. We teach people to fish and the basics of hunting safely. Some of our work getting the word out is done through broadcast television and radio programming; podcasts and a Facebook page; New Hampshire Wildlife Journal magazine and direct mail marketing efforts; events and workshops; and merchandise including t-shirts, books and a calendar. Visitors explore the Discover Public Affairs Division staff members have also been key participants Wild New Hampshire building at the Hopkinton Fair – a in the Adapting to Changing Times initiative, helping to guide the process and unique opportunity to connect implement recommendations, many of which have communications at their with the public. heart. New in this biennium, we launched a computer-based system to sign up for hunter education classes, implemented a national conservation education strategy, hosted the 67th annual Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference and supported the N.H. Children in Nature Coalition. The re-opening of Barry The word gets out Conservation Camp, celebrating 25 years, was a highlight. through broadcast During the biennium, the Association for Conservation Information television and radio singled out for national awards two of our publications (Discover Wild Times programming; podcasts for Kids and Wildlines), our television series (Granite State Outdoors), and a and a Facebook page; statewide marketing campaign focused on hunting recruitment and retention. When each Division of the Department plays its part well, we can accomplish N.H. Wildlife Journal our mission to protect New Hampshire’s wildlife resources and habitats and magazine; direct mail connect people to life outdoors. marketing efforts; events, workshops, Information Unit and more. Social media, the web and broadcast television and radio have gained importance in the communications mix for Fish and Game’s Broadcast Media and Marketing Unit and Information Unit, as we strive to broaden our audiences and connect better with traditional and new constituencies. We continue to use news media, direct mail marketing, advertising, merchandising, publications and events to publicize and educate the public about wildlife recreation

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and conservation in New Hampshire, while seeking out new ways to further inform and engage residents and visitors.

Expanding Our Reach – Online and In Print During the biennium, Information Unit staff focused their efforts on redesigning the Department website, which has been a primary source of news and information for millions of people since its last “re-launch” in 2002. Be- cause the Fish and Game website at wildnh.com is now the most popular first stop for information about wildlife, fishing and hunting in the Granite State, it was a priority to improve the website’s speed, searchability and functionality; make the content deeper, broader and more aesthetically pleasing; and, overall, bring the site more in line with people’s expectations of a modern organization. The new site was developed with the help of staff from every division, and launched in June of 2011. Public Affairs staff, as partners in the Social Media Team (a part of the Changing Times effort), helped create the Department’s Facebook page in April of 2010, and have shepherded it along by adding content and respond- ing to questions and comments on a daily basis. The Facebook page had an avid 5,000+ followers at the end of the biennium, and regular cross-promotions with the pages for Visit NH (the official N.H. tourism website) NH Fish and Game’s website was redesigned and greatly and NH Children in Nature Coalition. improved during the biennium. FY2010 and 2011 saw the completion of several new publications, including The Best of Warden’s Watch, a new book for retail sale, by and about our Conservation Officers in the field; New Hampshire Fish & Wildlife calendars for 2011 and 2012; a Lakes Region fishing map and guide; and a brand-new statewide NH Fishing and Boating Access Map, now being distributed at all official visitor centers. New Hampshire Wildlife Journal magazine, published 12 times during the biennium, continues to improve in quality and grow in circulation. Many more print jobs – including newsletters such as the Nongame Program’s Wildlines; Conservation Education’s newsletter for teachers, Project WEB News; and our publication for schoolchildren, Wild Times for Kids; as well as signs, forms, reports, brochures and exhibits – were produced by Information Unit staff in support of all Fish and Game divisions. Traditional news media are still essential to helping Fish and Game reach millions of viewers and readers with timely safety messages as well as stories about conservation projects, search and rescue operations, changes to fishing and hunting regulations, education programs and more. Information Unit staff worked one-on-one with reporters on a regular basis, especially to connect journalists with our “content experts” who help bring stories to life. We generated and distributed hundreds of news releases, fishing reports and hunting reports during the biennium to 8,500+ e-news subscribers, resulting in A new book showcases the real-life adventures of Fish and newspaper, magazine, radio, TV and blog coverage throughout the state on an Game Conservation Officers. almost daily basis.

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Broadcast Media and Marketing Unit The Department’s Media and Marketing Unit uses events, merchandising, advertising, direct mail marketing, broadcast television and radio, training and educational media, podcasts, and streaming video via the web to publicize and Fish and Game began educate the public about fishing, hunting and wildlife watching opportunities employing a high and to reach new audiences with information about recreational and education- definition streaming al programs available through New Hampshire Fish and Game. Major initia- video player (iplayerHD) tives developed in collaboration with division staff include: with links to videos and My Outdoors tips on hunting, fishing, A sponsor-supported weekly television program partnership with MyTV wildlife watching, wild in Derry, NH, that’s broadcast to an estimated 2.5 million households in New cooking, off-highway Hampshire and Massachusetts. The 30-minute program is in its fifth year of recreation, snowmobil- providing viewers with tips and features to plan their next outdoor adventure in ing and ice fishing. New Hampshire. The partnership resulted in 104 hours of Department produced programming broadcast over the biennium.

Granite State Outdoors A monthly half-hour program featuring New Hampshire’s wildlife-related outdoor recreation opportunities. Thirty-two New Hampshire community access television stations provided over 768 hours of programming to approximately 486,750 New Hampshire households at no cost to the Department over the biennium. Ten out-of-state community access stations across the U.S. also broadcast the program.

New Hampshire Fish & Game Channel: Now Streaming in Hi-Definition The Department began producing video content in high definition during the biennium to stay current with broadcast formats required for digital television and online content. As part of this change, Fish and Game began employing a high definition streaming video player (iplayerHD) with links to videos and tips on hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, wild cooking, off-highway recreation, snowmobiling and ice fishing. The Fish and Game Channel can be viewed at www.wildnh.com.

Consumer Shows, Fairs, Expos and Events The Department promoted hunting, fishing and wildlife-watching participation at numerous consumer shows, fairs and events. During the biennial the successful revival of the “hunt & fishing days” was met with enthusiastic support and participation from the sporting community. This event is now part of and known as National Hunting and Fishing Day - A New Hampshire Cel- ebration. This event provides hands-on exhibits and information supported by the participation of the fishing and hunting industry along with area sporting clubs, organizations, guides and trainers. This is the only event of its kind in New Hampshire. Events like fairs, sporting shows and the National Hunting and Fishing Day celebration give the Department focused venues that reach targeted audi-

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ences with our messages “face to face,” strengthening customer support and building loyal constituents.

Other Communication & Marketing Efforts • In 2011, the Unit received a National Award from the Association for Conservation Information for its “You Belong Here” Hunting Recruitment and Retention Campaign. • Produced external educational and public service digital media products and/or support for the Governor’s office, Department of Environmental Services, New Hampshire Housing Authority, De- New merchandise with Fish partment of Travel and Tourism, the New Hamp- and Game logos and themes shire Outdoor Council, the White Mountain was popular with the public. National Forest and the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire. • Produced internal educational, presentation and training videos and/or technical support to the Aquatic Resources Education Program, Hunter Education Program, Wildlife Program, Law Enforcement Division, 2011 Northeast Fish & Wildlife Conference and several shows and events. • Developed web and print-based fall hunting promotions through email distribution and e-cards. • Produced and broadcast 24 installments of the Fish and Game Radio Diner podcast. • Developed new streaming content for the NH Fish and Game Channel website. • Distributed monthly radio program, Outdoor Almanac with Peter St. James, to 16 stations statewide. • Participated in weekly radio appearances on the Pulse radio network (Central NH) and seasonal appearances on other New Hampshire media outlets.

Staying Relevant During the biennium, staff from several Divisions participated on the Department’s Public Awareness Team (a part of Humorous “e-cards” were part the Changing Times effort) led by Public Affairs. This effort of a focused campaign to resulted in the formation of several working teams focused on improving De- reconnect with lapsed hunters. partment-wide communication, branding and outreach resulting in the creation of a Social Media Team, Branding Team, Website Redesign Team and an Email Signature Line Messaging Team. Each team’s efforts resulted in significant advances in the way the Department communicates with its constituents and

82 2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIVISION z reaches new audiences.

Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation Partnership The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department again partnered with the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) in 2010 as part of a national effort with thirty-one state fish and wildlife agencies to implement a direct mail marketing program targeting resident lapsed anglers to increase fishing license sales. Because New Hampshire’s 2009 results were statistically insignificant, RBFF’s research partner, Southwick Associates recommended that the Department target all angler groups using a new mailing strategy based on a 2009 email survey conducted by RBFF. In that survey, lapsed anglers indi- Supporting cated their primary motivations for fishing as well as barriers to fishing: conservation and • 68% listed the primary reason to fish was to spend time outdoors. fisheries management was the factor most • Supporting conservation and fisheries management was the factor most likely likely to motivate to motivate anglers to buy a license. Approximately 45% would buy a license if they “knew that 100% of my money went to conservation and to ensure anglers to buy a license. fishing opportunities.” • Local accessibility was the key factor that determined why people don’t fish as much as they might otherwise. Over one-half of the respondents stated they would fish more if they “knew places to fish close to home within 30 to 60 minutes.”

Although the direct mailing did not produce any statistically significant lift in license buyers it did generate $107,782 in gross license sales revenue during the evaluation period. The NHFGD and RBFF invested $16,927 in the program, resulting in net revenue of $90,885.

Direct Mail Marketing The 2010 Fishing License Direct Mail Marketing Program in New Hampshire was an important effort to encourage lapsed anglers to again buy a license. The results can be used to improve upon future efforts, with a goal of increasing the number of licensed anglers, and maximizing license sales at the lowest possible cost. Other angler retention initiatives were explored by RBFF in 2010, such as a retention component. If successful and feasible, these methods will also be made available in the future to further increase overall participation, revenues and license sales. To increase the effectiveness of future campaigns, Fish and Game is asked to carefully consider all findings presented including the interaction of other advertising (radio, etc.) on direct mail campaigns when evaluating response rates of control and treatment groups.

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Conservation Education During the biennium, Fish and Game conservation education programs have engaged visitors and residents in diverse educational experiences designed to increase the public’s knowledge about fish and wildlife, encourage them to spend time outdoors and demonstrate responsible actions they can take to ensure we have high-quality habitats and healthy wildlife populations. We have begun implementation of the North American Conservation Education Strategy that has provided additional tools and direction for our programs. Wildlife education staff continued to work on building vertical science literacy with six school districts under a Math Science Partnership with members of the New Hampshire Education and Environment Team (Project WILD, Project HOME, Project WET, Project Learning Tree, GLOBE and the US Forest Service). The partnership includes a summer institute, workshop sessions and support throughout the year. A major focus of the professional development provided involved using field investigations. This approach provides an excellent way for authentic learning experiences to be incorporated into the classroom. Its strength is that it allows for Fish and Game content to be integrated into the curricula. Participants in the 2010 A new addition to the Department’s Conservation Education offerings Summer Teacher’s Institute practice field investigation – one that has been very popular with early education teachers – is “Growing techniques. Up WILD.” The wildlife education staff continues to offer teacher and pre- service training in Project WILD and Below Zero, as well as schoolyard habitat and design (Project HOME). Schools from around the state are actively involved in collecting winter severity index data, RARRP (reptile and amphibian reporting) data and growing lupines for replanting on the Karner Blue Butterfly Refuge. The Wonders of Wildlife volunteer program continues to provide over 400 in-class presentations annually on New Hampshire Wildlife, Endangered Species, pond and wetland ecology. The partnership continues with Amo- skeag Fishways providing a low-cost method to deliver wildlife education programs in every elementary school in Manchester. The biennium also saw the development of the Fish and Wildlife Stewards, an adult volunteer corps who will be making presentations to adult audiences about Sportfish and Wildlife Restoration projects. Over 28,000 copies of Discover Wild Times were distributed twice per year, bringing wildlife education directly into New Hampshire classrooms. This publication was supported by the NH Wildlife Heritage Foundation and the N.H. Department of Education’s Math-Science Partnership and State

Wild Times for Kids brings Literacy Plan. conservation education into the classroom.

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Barry Conservation Camp The 2009 Barry Conservation Camp season got off to a rocky start, with camp having to be moved to Bear Hill 4-H camp for the first session due to water quality issues at the camp. Despite that, 125 youth between the ages of 10 and 15 enjoyed the camp program that focuses on hunter education, shooting sports, aquatic and conservation education. The camp is co-sponsored with UNH Coop- erative Extension 4-H. Camp was closed during the summer of 2010 as the Department assessed its ability to maintain and upgrade the facility. A group of dedicated volunteers from several sportsmen’s clubs, headed by Mike Normandin of the Belknap County Sportsmen’s As- sociation, stepped in and began the Barry Camp Challenge – a statewide effort to involve dozens of fish and game clubs, conservation commis- sions, Trout Unlimited chapters and other organizations and individuals in the work of renovating the camp. It was heartwarming to see this broad Members of the N.H. Trappers Association work on renovat- grassroots effort galvanize across the state, ensuring that opportunities for ing their adopted cabin at Barry outdoor education would continue to exist for New Hampshire’s youth. Their Camp. efforts resulted in all of the cabins at the camp being adopted by clubs and the necessary upgrades to the facility taking place. In addition, thousands of dollars in donations have been received and placed in a fund held by the Wildlife Heri- tage Foundation of New Hampshire to ensure the camp’s future. On June 25, 2011, a ceremony marking the camp’s 25th Anniversary and grand re-opening of the refurbished facility was held at the camp; many volunteers and donors gathered for the happy occasion. Camp programs opened for the summer of 2011.

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Discover Wild New Hampshire Day This biennium saw the 21st and 22nd Discover Wild New Hampshire Days take place. The event is co-sponsored by Fish and Game and the N.H. Department of Environmental Services, with support from the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire. Despite a cold and rainy day in 2010, the event drew approximately 3,000 people. The sun returned in 2011 and more than 5,000 people turned out to enjoy this community event celebrating New Hampshire’s wildlife and wild places, building environmental awareness. Observing fish at Discover Wild NH Day – Fish and Game’s biggest community education event. NH Children in Nature Coalition Fish and Game played an active role in the New Hampshire Children in Nature Coalition during the biennium, with Marilyn Wyzga, a Department wildlife educator, serving as the convener. The N.H. Children In Nature Coali- tion is dedicated to fostering experiences in nature that: 1) improve physical and emotional health and well-being; 2)increase understanding of and care for the natural world; and 3) promote stronger connections to community and landscape and to providing a forum for continued collaboration. The coalition spon- sors an annual conference, a website and a Facebook page. Natural Leaders, a leadership and career-development program for high school students interested in natural resources and the environment, is one program that has resulted from the efforts of the coalition. The coalition has also been involved in writing the New Hampshire Environmental Literacy Plan.

Fish and Game played an active role in the New Hampshire Children in Nature Coalition during the biennium

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Aquatic Resources Education The Aquatic Resources Education (ARE) Program reached 30,000 people over the biennium, either directly or indirectly through programs, courses, clinics, camps, trainings, special events and news media. ARE has a Watershed Education Program and the Let’s Go Fishing Program, both of which work with the public and more than 104 schools in New Hampshire to provide programs. Volunteer time from instructors and teachers is used as in- kind match to bring in federal dollars that support the ARE program. Volunteer time conducting ARE programs brought in $503,753 for the Department in the last biennium. ARE is also actively involved with the New Hampshire Chil- dren in Nature Coalition as an avenue to getting more local children outdoors. The Watershed Education Program partners with schools, state agencies, and private organizations across New Hampshire to bring in-depth watershed education to 78 schools in NH. Over 1,600 students participate annually in river studies, including fisheries habitat assessment and learning about New Hampshire’s native brook trout. Brook trout are a species of concern in the N.H. Wildlife Action Plan. Water quality, macro-invertebrate sampling and Global Information Systems studies are part of the overall program. In addition, the Watershed Edu- cation Program plays an important role in the N.H. Envirothon and other events in New Hampshire ad- dressing water quality and education. Raising either coldwater or warm water fish in classrooms has provided students the opportunity to learn about fish and observe their growth and development. The program Schoolchildren enjoy a Let’s is an active partner with the annual NH Water Conference held at Plymouth Go Fishing ice fishing class. State University. The Let’s Go Fishing (LGF) Program provides experiential learning and fun courses teaching ice fishing, saltwater fishing, fly fishing, basic fishing and fly tying statewide in schools and to the public as they learn the skills for being safe, ethical, successful and conservation-minded anglers in the state. LGF is also present at many outreach events, including the Hopkinton Fair and Discover Wild New Hampshire Day. A one-week fishing camp is held at Barry Conservation Camp each summer. During the biennium, 155 courses were held and 25 events were supported, reaching a total of 24,000 people. The LGF Program has 150 certified volunteer instructors to help deliver these courses. Over 300 instructors attended trainings offered over this biennium. To maintain certification, instructors must attend these trainings. An annual banquet to recognize the contributions and accomplishments of instructors includes a training component. A Fly Tying manual for courses was developed and completed during the biennium. In addition, all ARE staff began training to implement the North Ameri- can Conservation Education Strategy, based on extensive research, as a way to increase “best practices” when delivering programs. ARE is supported by Sport Fish Restoration funds through an excise tax on fishing equipment and motor boat fuels.

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Hunter Education Hunter Education went high-tech in the last biennium with the advent of a new online registration system for the public and an online course option designed for New Hamp- shire. These new additions help improve course access for the public and add alternatives for getting certified in New Hamp- shire. Volunteer instructors’ time matched to federal dollars, brought in $756,652 to operate the Hunter Education Program over the biennuim. The Program, with the help of 550 certified volunteer instructors, put 7,600 students through classes for Hunter Education, Bowhunter Education and Trapper Education during the biennium. There were 316 classes held statewide. A total of 571 instructors attended either new or In 2011, volunteer Hunter Education instructors Raymond in-service training. Each summer, a Hunter Education week is held at Barry Simard (left) and Russell Galpin Conservation Camp, reaching 70 young campers over the two-year period. each celebrated 50 years of Much-needed improvements began at the Bear Brook Archery range, service to the program. located at Bear Brook State Park, with the help of Eagle Scout James Kirk of Hampstead, NH. The new targets will make upkeep and replacement much easier. This 14-station woodland archery range will continue to be free to bowhunters and archery enthusiasts. The National Archery in the Schools Program continued in partnership with the New England School of Archery. Eighteen schools participated in the program. Archery helps students with focus and self confidence and introduces them to a shooting sport. Fish and Game’s Owl Brook Hunter Education Center in Holder- ness held 30 public workshops and hosted events for both the fall and winter Becoming an Outdoors-Woman programs. In addition, Hunter Education courses, trainings and field days took place at Owl Brook throughout the biennium. The center also provides summer youth programs on outdoor skills, shooting sports, bowhunting/archery and N.H. furbearers. Youth age 10-15 from all over the state can attend these free programs designed to engage the state’s youth in N.H.’s outdoors and ways to enjoy it safely, ethi- cally and responsibly. Hunter Education is supported by Wildlife Restoration funds through an excise tax paid by the manufacturers of equipment and amunition returned to the states according to a formula.

Successful Eagle Scout candidate James Kirk (inset) renovated Fish and Game’s archery range at Bear Brook State Park.

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Becoming an Outdoors-Woman New Hampshire’s Becoming an Out- doors-Woman Program introduces women to hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation activities by providing hands-on courses and workshops designed to build confidence and the skills to go out and participate. The De- partment partners with the New Hampshire Wildlife Federation to offer a fall weekend and winter workshop for women annually. This program continues to bring women into the conversation of fish and wildlife management in New Hampshire and gives them a very important ground- ing in conservation of those resources. Over 400 women participated in these workshops during the biennium. In addition, a Beyond Participants learn to cast in BOW component to the program has continued to expand, providing one-day a Fall 2010 BOW Freshwater and weekend workshops including fly-fishing, shooting sports, deep sea fish- Fishing Class. ing, handling firearms, cooking with wild foods, and trapping. A total of 300 women attended Beyond BOW events during the biennium.

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Steven Weber Allison Briggaman Division Chief Program Planner

Ellen Macneil Brian Lemire Administrative Secretary Forester

Charles Bridges Denyse Gagne Habitat and Diversity Programs Biological Technician Administrator Linda Verville Mark Ellingwood Wildlife Program Specialist Wildlife Program Administrator Rita Boisvert John Kanter Data Control Clerk Nongame and Endangered Species Program Coordinator Region 1, Lancaster William Staats Edward Robinson Wildlife Biologist Wildlife Biologist, Waterfowl Project Leader Andrew Timmins Wildlife Biologist, Kent Gustafson Bear Project Leader Wildlife Biologist, Biometrics/ Deer Project Leader Jillian Kelly Wildlife Biologist Rob Calvert Wildlife Biologist, Region 2, New Hampton Animal Damage Specialist Kristine Rines Wildlife Biologist, James Oehler Moose Project Leader Habitat Biologist Karen Bordeau Mike Marchand Wildlife Biologist, Wetlands Biologist Pheasant Project Leader

Emily Brunkhurst Region 3, Durham Technical Outreach Biologist Patrick Tate Wildlife Biologist, Heidi Holman Furbearer Project Leader Wildlife Biologist, Karner Blue Butterfly Project Leader Julie Robinson Wildlife Biologist, Kim Tuttle Small Game Project Leader Wildlife Biologist, Environmental Review Region 4, Keene Ted Walski Brandon Clifford Wildlife Biologist, Biological Technician Turkey Project Leader

Lindsay Webb Wildlife Biologist

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Game Management Game biologists identify data needs, design data collection methodologies, formulate research studies, interpret data output and implement species management programs. Data analysis serves as the basis for the formulation of management recommendations, which facilitate harvest while simultaneously moving wildlife populations toward population objectives. Big game management is driven by objectives specified in New Hampshire’s Big Game Management Plan, which was formulated by a 30-member public working group. Biological and social science serves as the foundation of wildlife management in New Hampshire.

White-Tailed Deer Since a near-record deer harvest in 2007, several winters of above-average severity have resulted in reductions in the deer

population in many parts of New Hampshire. During the 2009 photo © BRUCE MACQUEEN @ DREAMSTIME.COM and 2010 deer seasons, reductions in either-sex hunting oppor- White-tailed deer. tunities were implemented to reduce the doe kill and speed herd recovery to desired levels. Also during the biennium, a 2-point minimum antler point restriction for bucks in Wildlife Management Unit A that had been in place since 2007 was removed in 2010 due to concerns about possible adverse genetic impacts. Increasing interest in buck age-structure management led to an extensive survey of New Hampshire’s deer hunter opinions on the issue, in Estimated New Hampshire Statewide order to help inform future management proposals and decisions. Bear Population, 1990-2010 In 2010, the Department began a study of white-tailed deer productivity in cooperation with UNH. This study replicates 6000 work performed in New Hampshire in the late 1970s and early 5000 1980s to determine deer fertility rates and fawn production. With 4000 the changes in habitat and deer density over the past three de- 3000 Population cades, this information is being reassessed to determine current 2000 deer productivity and its possible implications for deer management in present-day New Hampshire. 90-94 92-96 94-98 96-00 98-02 00-04 02-06 04-08 06-10 5-Year Period Black Bears A stable statewide population of approximately 4,800 bears was maintained over the biennium. In addition to bear population goals, bear/human conflict management remained an important Department objective. Pub- lic education is a critical component of our efforts to prevent and mitigate human/bear conflicts. USDA Wildlife Services is a critical partner in Fish and Game’s conflict management efforts. Dur- ing the past biennium, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services responded to nearly 1,400 bear complaints. In addition, they maintained two bear technicians in central and northern New Hampshire, who worked hand in hand with Fish and Game staff to prevent and resolve nuisance bear issues. PHOTO © LYNN BUTH Black bears can become habit- uated to human food sources.

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Wild Turkeys A statewide turkey population of approximately 40,000 birds was maintained in New Hampshire over the biennium. All of the state’s 10 counties had a spring shotgun season and a fall archery season. A conservative 5- day fall shotgun season was conducted in 8 western management units and 4 additional eastern wildlife management units were added to the 2010 fall shotgun season. The turkey population continued to grow in eastern and northern areas of the state. Approximately 20,000 turkey permits were sold annually, photo © YEVETTE MAURER @ DREAMSTIME.COM which allowed permittees to take a single bird during both the spring and fall seasons. The spring youth turkey hunting weekend, which was established in 2004, continued to be extremely popular over the biennium, accounting for approximately 14% of the annual spring season harvest. During the biennium, 7,725 turkeys were registered during the spring season, 1,013 were taken during the fall shotgun season and 489 turkeys were taken during the fall archery season. Nearly 3,000 winter turkey flocks were reported during the biennium by way of our internet-based winter flock survey. This survey generated significant public interest.

Furbearers Fish and Game’s Furbearer Project is responsible for furbearer population protection and management. Over the biennium, catch-per-unit effort data from mandatory trapper reports continued to serve as the primary means for photo © MICHAEL MOORE Recaptured, sedated male bob- monitoring furbearer population change. Trapping season rules implemented cat with UNH graduate student during the biennium were intended to further simplify and standardize New Nick Fortin. Hampshire’s trapping season framework while simultaneously facilitating sustainable use. The Furbearer Project certified 141 individuals as Wildlife Control Operators during the biennium. Wildlife Control Operators provide an invaluable service to New Hampshire’s citizenry by availing their services to people with wildlife conflicts. Bobcat research conducted in partnership with UNH during the biennium resulted in the capture and telemetry collaring of 19 bobcats, which were actively tracked and monitored. This study is slated to continue through our next biennium.

Animal Damage Control The Animal Damage Control program is a cooperative effort between Fish and Game and USDA Wildlife Services that combines state and Federal expertise, resources and personnel to resolve wildlife conflicts. Assistance is provided through recommendations, evalua- tions, educational materials, site visits, formal assessments, material distribution and referrals to private-sector specialists. Image depicts home ranges for 11 monitored bobcats in southwest New Hampshire. Each Over the biennium, the program responded to more than 3,500 colored shape represents an individual bobcat; requests for assistance. It also conducted 498 site visits and distributed the smaller bubbles within the shapes indicate 4,357 informational leaflets. Since its establishment in 1986, the pro- areas of high use by that individual. The dark gram has responded to over 39,000 requests. black outline represents the study area border, which is the H2 Wildlife Management Unit.

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Damage program activities during the biennium also entailed ac- Requests for Assistance by Species from tive monitoring for several wildlife 2009 to 2011 diseases, as well as participation in Bear 36% recovery efforts for several threatened Bobcats Coyote Raptors 1% 3% and endangered species. Additionally, 1%

Crows Deer Wildlife Services staff cooperated with Raccoon 2% 5% 4% the Wildlife Division and UNH in a Wild Turkey research study focused on wild turkeys 1% Woodchuck Canada Geese 3% and their management relative to air 4% Squirrel Spp. 2% traffic safety at Pease International Fisher Bat Tradeport. 2% 1%

Beaver Waterfowl Spp. Other Bird Spp. 3% Waterfowl 1% 5% Fox Spp. Other Porcupines Skunk 10% 8% During the biennium, Fish and 2% 7% Game cooperated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other Atlantic Flyway states to conduct annual population surveys for waterfowl, woodcock and mourning doves during the winter and spring months. This information is used to monitor population levels and is important for developing appropri- ate hunting season frameworks. Division biologists also captured and banded Approximately 10,000 1,217 geese and 525 ducks as part of Atlantic Flyway efforts to evaluate hunting mortality and migratory patterns. acres of waterfowl Approximately 10,000 acres of waterfowl habitat is owned and man- habitat is owned aged by Fish and Game. Water level management techniques to improve aquat- and managed by ic vegetation and a wood duck nest box management program were employed Fish and Game. at various Waterfowl Management Areas across the state. Waterfowl habitat acquisition and management activities continued with The Great Bay Resource Protection Partnership to conserve critical habitats in the Great Bay Estuary.

Pheasant Stocking Program Fish and Game staff stocked 13,500 pheasants at 75 sites in 50 towns in 2009, and another 13,500 pheasants at 75 sites in 48 towns in 2010. The majority (68%) of releases were on privately owned land. The generosity and continued support of a cadre of private landowners is the foundation of this successful program. The number of birds released at each site averaged 160, with the exception of several federal flood control areas, which received more birds per site. The pheasant program enlisted volunteers to release pheasants in southwestern New Hampshire, under the direct supervision of the Division regional biologist. A new pro-

gram was developed to allow sporting clubs to conduct youth PHOTO © MARY SNIDER pheasant hunts as a means to promote hunting and to teach Pheasant hunting remains safe hunting practices. popular in New Hampshire.

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Moose Management Over the course of the past two years, 915 moose hunting permits were issued and 643 moose were taken. A winter tick and moose browse study was completed during the biennium. This study, conducted in partnership with UNH, documented winter tick impacts to moose reproductive output and the relationship between weather and tick population eruptions. It also developed two methods for use by Fish and Game to monitor moose tick infestation rates and tick-related moose mortality. Finally, it analyzed the impact of differing moose population densities on forest regeneration. Results indicated

D an B ergeron photos that current moose browsing levels allow for the re- Spring bull moose showing generation of all commercial species at stocking rates moderate hair loss resulting above minimum thresholds. from tick infestation. The Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire, Fish and Game’s nonprofit partner, auctioned off five moose permits per year to help generate funding for several important Department initiatives. An average of $36,000 per year was generated by this effort.

Small Game Small Game Hunter Surveys were conducted during the biennium in order to generate information on hunter effort, species observation rates and species distribution. The two most sought-after small game species in New The two most Hampshire are ruffed grouse and woodcock. An annual Ruffed Grouse Wing sought-after small and Tail Survey provided important information on grouse productivity and game species in age and sex composition. Nearly 400 grouse samples were collected over the New Hampshire are biennium. These samples complemented Fish and Game’s Grouse Drumming ruffed grouse and Route Surveys, which are run in the spring. Approximately 80 grouse surveys woodcock. and 20 woodcock surveys were carried out by the Small Game Project during the biennium. The Wildlife Management Institute partnered with New Hampshire to provide demonstration areas for woodcock through habitat manipulation designed to sustain and enhance woodcock numbers while providing habitat for a wide variety of other species.

Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program Since 1988, the Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program has worked to protect and restore more than 400 species that are not hunted, fished or trapped, and the habitats they depend on. Following are some highlights of Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program projects during this biennium:

Wildlife Action Plan During the biennium, Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program staff continued to work with the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Exten- sion (UNHCE) to provide information, resources and technical assistance to

94 2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT WILDLIFE DIVISION z community members, land trusts and other conservation organizations and other agencies on implementing the NH Wildlife Action Plan. Fish and Game and UNHCE staff provided eight Wildlife Action Plan workshops, presentations, events, displays, and technical assistance to the public, updated their website pages for easier use and to reflect new changes and new tools for conservation planning, developed two presentations: “Wild History: 350 Years of N.H. Wildlife” and “Backyard Wildlife: Keeping Common Species Common,” and distributed the Taking Action for Wildlife newsletter via email to approximately 1,500 people per issue. During the biennium, The Reptile and Amphibian Reporting Program over 1,200 individual Since 1992, the volunteer-based Reptile and Amphibian Reporting RAARP reports were Program (RAARP) has proved to be an efficient means to collect information submitted, including about reptiles and amphibians throughout New Hampshire. Data collected through the RAARP program is used to develop a baseline understanding for more than reptile and amphibian distributions in New Hampshire, identifying conserva- 170 reports of tion priorities, reviewing environmental impact projects, and providing data for species listed in the more intense surveys and research studies. During the biennium, over 1,200 N.H. Wildlife Action individual reports were submitted, including more than 170 reports of species Plan as species listed in the N.H. Wildlife Action Plan as species of greatest conservation need. of greatest Since its inception, the RAARP program has generated more than 8,000 indi- conservation need. vidual records of reptiles and amphibians in New Hampshire.

Timber Rattlesnakes The historic distribution of state-endangered timber rattlesnakes in New Hampshire ranged from the southwest corner of the state in Hinsdale to the north as far as Jackson and to the east as far as Raymond. Currently, there is only one known timber rattlesnake population in New Hampshire. However, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department receives multiple reports of timber rattlesnakes from citizens annually. In an attempt to discover any extant timber rattlesnake populations, Fish and Game conducts annual surveys across the state, based on historic and more recent information. During the biennium, biologists surveyed 17 sites across central and southwestern N.H., focusing on areas that historically supported timber rattlesnake populations or could potentially be occupied by timber rattlesnakes. While no evidence of timber rattlesnakes was found at the survey locations, biologists continued to keep the one known population of timber rattlesnakes closely monitored.

Black Racers Historically, large denning congregations of black racer snakes were reported in N.H. Currently, Fish and Game is aware of only one communal den site of greater than 10 individual snakes. Black racers were listed as threatened in September 2008 under the N.H. BRENDAN CLIFFORD PHOTO ©NHFG Black racers were documented Endangered Species Conservation Act. Using Geographic Information Systems at 6 of 20 sites that were (GIS), potential habitat maps were generated; sites were identified and priori- surveyed.

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tized for surveys. 2009 was considered a pilot survey season to evaluate effective survey efforts and document snake populations for more intensive surveys in future years. Racers were documented at 6 of 20 sites that were surveyed, and individuals were marked with PIT tags at two locations for future identification. During 2010, a total of 12 racers were radio-tracked over the summer and an additional 24 were captured and marked with PIT tags. Surveys were reinitiated in spring 2011 in Hillsboro and Merrimack counties.

Blanding’s Turtles Blanding’s turtles were identified as a Species in Greatest Conservation Need in N.H.’s Wildlife Action Plan (2005) and listed as N.H. State En- dangered during 2008. One of the highest-priority actions for this species is to identify the best remaining habitat areas in New Hampshire, so that priority areas can be incorporated into conservation planning. Twenty locations were surveyed during the biennium. Nine Blanding’s turtles were observed as well as six spotted turtles (N.H. State threatened) and one wood turtle (N.H. State species of concern). Combining Fish and Game surveys with volunteer-based RAARP records of Blanding’s turtles MICHAEL MARCHAND PHOTO ©NHFG has provided an efficient way of gathering information and determining Blanding’s turtle priority landscapes to focus conservation.

Environmental Review Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program biologists review projects that could potentially impact wildlife, focusing on those that are endangered, threatened or of special concern. Types of reviews include wetland dredge and fill applications and alteration of terrain applications administered by the N.H. Department of Environmental Services, pesticide applications, trail construction or maintenance, transportation projects, and energy production projects (e.g., wind energy, hydro-electric projects, and coal-burning plants). Fish and Game biologists provide recommendations regarding the potential impacts of proposed projects on regulated wildlife resources. During the biennium, over 5,300 proposed projects were checked for the presence of rare species. Of these, more than 575 were flagged as having potential impacts to rare, threatened or endangered wildlife and were reviewed by Fish and Game.

New England Cottontail N.H. Fish and Game’s Nongame Program continued to coordinate the Rangewide New England Cottontail Initia- tive, an effort that spanned six New England states during the biennium. Habitat restoration was planned for more than 150 acres of state-owned land at the Bellamy, Palmer and Martin- eau Wildlife Management Areas in Dover, and for the Beau- dette WMA in Durham. So far, implementation on Wildlife Management Areas has included mowing and/or biomass harvest on approximately 60 acres with follow-up invasive species control (herbicide). Pellet surveys were conducted at potential New MICHAEL MARCHAND PHOTO ©NHFG New England Cottontail England cottontail locations during the winter of 2009-2010

96 2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT WILDLIFE DIVISION z and again during the winter 2010-2011 to determine presence/absence of New England cottontails. A supplemental feeding program was also initiated during the winter of 2010-2011, following recent research that found supplemental feed (rabbit food) significantly increased the winter survival rate of Eastern cottontails.

Bats and White-Nose Syndrome Biologists continue to closely monitor bat populations in New Hampshire as white-nose syndrome (WNS) continues to spread, killing bats throughout the Northeast. In N.H., mortality rates at hibernacula (areas where bats hibernate during winter) have ranged from 41 to 96% since WNS was first documented in the state during the winter of 2008. Surveys of summer maternity colonies in 2009 provided information on over 150 northern long- eared, big brown, and little brown bats. At one maternity colony, 148 little brown bats and 3 big brown bats were captured. Juveniles and adults were both present and 102 bats were banded. In addition, a new colony of N.H. state-endangered eastern small-footed bats was discov- JOHN KANTER PHOTO ©NHFG ered in Hinsdale, N.H. Surveys in Grafton County in the During the fall of 2009, swarming surveys were initiated at three aban- winter of 2010 at the state’s doned mines in New Hampshire where bats are known to hibernate through the second largest bat hibernaculum winter. During one night of harp trapping, 41 bats were banded at Carter Mine, revealed a dramatic loss. 48 at Paddock Copper mine and 20 at Red mine. Most of the bats captured were either little brown or northern long-eared, although one eastern small- footed bat was banded at Red mine, a first recording for the species at that location. Surveys in Grafton County in the winter of 2010 at the state’s second largest hibernaculum revealed a dramatic loss. Biologists found 96 dead and 185 live bats in this mine, with 76 of the live bats showing evidence of WNS. The total of 281 bats found in 2010 was down by 83% from 2009. Currently, five of the eight species of bats that occur in New Hampshire are affected by white-nose syndrome.

Karner Blue Butterflies and Pine Barrens Habitat Restoration 2010 marked the 10th anniversary of the Karner blue butterfly and Pine Barrens Habitat Restoration project located in Concord, N.H. Raising butterflies in captivity and releasing them into the wild, in combination with habitat management efforts, continue to provide the foundation for the recovery of the state and federally endangered Karner blue butterfly. During the spring and summer of 2009, a total of 4,148 captive raised Karner blue butterflies were released into the wild. During the spring and summer of 2010, a total of 2,660 Karner blue butterflies were released into the wild. Approximately Prescribed burn at the Concord 320 acres of pine barrens in Concord are managed using a combination of pine barrens improves habitat methods including heavy equipment, prescribed burns and herbicides to clear for Karner blue butterflies.

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the land, and planting native nectar plants such as wild blue lupine to provide a food source. During monitoring of the restored pine barrens, over 400 wild Karner blue butterflies were documented in 2010, which represents only a portion of the overall population that is thriving in the restored habitat management area.

Other Nongame Initiatives Other Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program projects carried out during this biennium include: • Monitoring state-endangered and federally threatened pip- ing plovers at Hampton and Seabrook beaches. Nongame Program wildlife biologists Heidi Holman (left), • Monitoring and radio-tracking state-endangered upland sandpipers at Pease Lindsay Webb (right) and Tradeport. Steve Fuller (second from • Monitoring and management of eagles, ospreys and peregrines (contracted to right) received the 2010 Recovery Champion award NH Audubon). from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife • Monitoring and protection of state-threatened common loons (contracted to Service for their work in the Loon Preservation Committee). restoring Karner blue butterflies and their habitat. They are • The Isles of Shoals Seabird Restoration Project (contracted to Shoals Marine pictured with Executive Lab (2009) and Terns LLC (2010)). Director Glenn Normandeau. • Development and implementation of a volunteer-based dragonfly survey program (contracted to NH Audubon). • Eastern Hognose Snake Habitat Assessment (contracted to the University of New Hampshire).

Habitat Program Wildlife habitat programs focus on technical assistance to private landowners, habitat enhancement on publicly owned lands, and permanent Accomplishments in conservation of significant habitats. Accomplishments in these programs often wildlife habitat result from effective partnerships with landowners, non-governmental organizations and other agencies. Fish and Game provides funding to landowners programs often result to implement habitat improvement projects through a small grants program. from effective Our cooperative program with UNH Cooperative Extension provides technical partnerships with assistance and training to land managers, natural resource professionals and landowners, community leaders. We sustain valuable habitat on state-owned lands through non-governmental timber cutting and other land management operations, in cooperation with the organizations and N.H. Department of Resources and Economic Development. We also partner other agencies. with statewide nongovernmental organizations and local land trusts to identify significant habitats and achieve their long-term conservation through acquisition of both land and conservation easements.

State Land Habitat Program Fish and Game lands are managed to sustain the state’s biodiversity. Program highlights over the last biennium include: • Timber cutting operations to benefit ruffed grouse, American woodcock, snowshoe hare, New England cottontail, bobcat and other wildlife were

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completed on six wildlife management areas, yielding revenue exceeding $162,000. • Shrubland and young forest habitat was enhanced on four WMAs covering 135 acres as part of the Regional New England cottontail Restora- tion Initiative, a partnership of agencies and organizations across New England and New York working to keep New England cottontail off the federal Endangered Species List. American woodcock, chestnut-sided warblers and many other species also benefit. • Mowed 356 acres of fields to maintain nesting and foraging habitat for grassland birds, wild turkey and other species. Reclaimed an additional 25 acres of old field, shrubland, and young forest habitat with shrub plantings and brontosaurus mowing. Renewed two agricultural agreements with local farmers to maintain grassland and wildlife forage crops. • Management activities on the Connecticut Lakes Natural Area included maintenance of road infrastructure to facilitate access and initiated monitoring of water quality and fish passage where streams are crossed by roads. • Three permanent wildlife openings and one large block of early successional habitat was created on the Connecticut Lakes Natural Area to benefit early successional and other wildlife. • Repainted 35 miles of boundaries on four WMAs to facilitate access for habitat management and public recreation.

Technical Assistance The division’s technical assistance projects continue to be among the most effective means of influencing landowner actions to benefit wildlife habitats while conducting timber harvests and other land management operations: • Department regional biologists reviewed 106 timber harvests in northern N.H., involving nearly 32,000 acres on 16 large forestland ownerships, providing guidance for improving and protecting wildlife habitat during these operations. • Department biologists served on the state committee revising the best management practices guidebook Good Forestry in the Granite State, and wrote several chapters providing technical information on habitat management for the new edition. • Facilitated the implementation of a Bicknell’s thrush and American marten study in the high elevation areas of the Phillips Brook drainage to assess distribution, abundance and impacts of wind farm development to these species of conservation concern. • Cooperated with the Connecticut Lakes Timber Company (CLTC) and the N.H. Department of Resources and Economic Development in beginning the revision of the Stewardship Plan for the 141,400-acre Connect- icut Lakes Headwaters Forest, owned by CLTC, in northern Coos County.

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• Initiated a multi-state effort to develop a communications plan to enhance public knowledge and support for managing and sustaining young forest habitats, that are critical to reversing declines of many wildlife species of conservation concern. • Led an inter-agency effort, through the newly formed NH Fire Council, to create a prescribed burning guide for New Hampshire that will enhance our ability to maintain critical fire-adapted wildlife habitats. • Assisted the US Fish and Wildlife Service by serving on the core teams for the development of the Comprehen- sive Conservation Plans for the John Hay, Silvio Conte, and Great Bay National Wildlife Refuges.

Habitat Conservation The division worked in partnership with many agencies and non-governmental organizations to conserve significant habitats over the biennium, bringing funding from a variety of Federal and state sources to these projects:

• The wildlife division received the prestigious Conservation Partner Award in September 2009 from the Society for the Protection of NH Forests (SPNHF) in recognition and appreciation of the extraordinary spirit shown by the N.H. Fish and Game Department in our mutual efforts to successfully conserve the land and wildlife habitat that make New Hampshire special. • Waterfowl habitat acquisition and management activities continued with the Great Bay Resource Protection Partnership to conserve critical habitats in the Great Bay Estuary. Fee ownership of 9 properties and conservation easements on three other properties, totaling 77 acres, were transferred to the department. • The Landowner Incentive program provided funding toward conservation easements to protect habitat for wildlife species of concern on four parcels totaling 2,536 acres, in partnership with SPNHF and The Conservation Fund. • Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program funding was used to acquire two properties totaling 431 acres, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy and SPNHF. • Six parcels totaling 2,182 acres were conveyed to the Department as partial mitigation for the Granite Reliable Power Wind Farm project in northern N.H. These properties provide critical high-elevation habitat for American marten and Bicknell’s thrush, two state-listed species of conservation concern. • Wildlife biologists evaluated and ranked habitat conservation proposals submitted for competitive grant funding to the N.H. Land and Community Heritage Investment Program, the N.H. State Conservation Committee, and the Open Space Institute. Grants provided by these organizations protected 25 properties totaling more than 11,000 acres.

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2009-2011 NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT BIENNIAL REPORT 101 z Fish and Game Employees Who Left Service, Retired or Transferred

Business Division

Charles L. Brown III (2010) Sally Bird (2011) Michael Berry (2010)

Inland Fisheries Division

Robert Fawcett (2009) Joel Bader, Ph.D. (2010) Jason Cheever (2009)

Law Enforcement Timothy Acerno (2010) Andre Dionne (2009) David Eskeland (2010) David Lovequist (2010)

Marine Division

Katie Arey (2010) Kathy Mills (2010) Kim Trull (2009) Devin Wadleigh (2010) Chris Warner (2009)

Public Affairs Division

Peter Davison (2011)

Wildlife Division

Steve Fuller (2010)

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