Green Lake National Fish Hatchery Recreational Fishing
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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Green Lake National Fish Hatchery Draft Recreational Fishing Plan April 2021 Appendix A – Environmental Assessment Estimated Lead Agency Total Costs Associated with Developing and Producing the EA (per ERM 10-12): $7,495 Green Lake National Fish Hatchery [DRAFT] Recreational Fishing Plan April 2021 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Green Lake National Fish Hatchery 1 Hatchery Way Ellsworth, ME 04605 Submitted: Project Leader Date Concurrence: Complex Manager Date Approved: Assistant Regional Director, Fish and Aquatic Conservation Date Green Lake National Fish Hatchery - Draft Recreational Fishing Plan 2 Table of Contents I. Introduction 4 II. Statement Of Objectives 5 III. Description of Fishing Program 5 A. Areas to be Opened to Fishing 5 B. Species to be Taken, Fishing Seasons, Fishing Access 5 C. Fishing Permit Requirements 6 D. Consultation and Coordination with the State 6 E. Law Enforcement 6 F. Funding and Staff Requirements 7 IV. Conduct of the Fishing Program 7 A. Angler Permit Application, Selection, and/or Registration Procedures 7 C. Relevant State Regulations 8 D. Other Hatchery Rules and Regulations for Fishing 8 V. Public Engagement 8 A. Outreach for Announcing and Publicizing the Fishing Program 8 B. Anticipated Public Reaction to the Fishing Program 8 C. How Anglers Will Be Informed of Relevant Rules and Regulations 9 VI. Compatibility Determination 9 VII. References 9 VIII. Figures 10 Green Lake National Fish Hatchery - Draft Recreational Fishing Plan 3 I. Introduction The Green Lake National Fish Hatchery (NFH) is part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (Service) Fish and Aquatic Conservation (FAC) program. The FAC program works throughout the country to restore habitat across the landscape, prevent and control invasive species, assist Native American Tribes and other partners in managing their fish and wildlife resources, advance fisheries and aquatic sciences and technologies, foster outdoor recreational opportunities, educate the public on the economic and ecological benefits of aquatic species and their habitats, and address new and emerging challenges–such as climate change. The Green Lake NFH is administered by the Service and was authorized by Public Law 90-28, June 24, 1967, with an initial appropriation of $100,000 for the purpose of rearing Atlantic salmon for restoration and management of the fishery in Maine and other waters in New England. Originally constructed in 1973, Green Lake NFH is a cold-water aquaculture facility that comprises approximately 129 acres in Hancock County, in mid-coastal Ellsworth, Maine. The site is located approximately seven miles north and west of the City of Ellsworth and 3 miles south of Otis. The property maintains a combined office-maintenance-hatchery building, one residence, a water treatment plant, a fish-rearing area including 102 circular pools and six fish culture waste-water treatment ponds. There is a trail for recreational use and visitor parking areas. The hatchery’s primary water source comes from Green Lake. Access to the station is via Hatchery Road off of State Route 180 (Mariaville Road), approximately 4.2 miles north of U.S. Route 1A (Bangor Road). Applicable laws, regulations, and policies which direct the operation and programs of the Green Lake NFH include: the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661-667e; 48 Stat.401), as amended; Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251-1376; 62 Stat. 1155), as amended; Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 742a-742j, not including 742d-1; 70 Stat. 1119), as amended; the Refuge Recreation Act (16 U.S.C. 460k-460k-4); Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 2901-2911; 94 Stat. 1322); the Code of Federal Regulations; and Fish and Wildlife Service Manual. The Green Lake NFH supports recovery of endangered Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment (DPS), by rearing 1 year smolts and 0+ parr primarily for the Penobscot River. These recovery efforts are part of and supported by partners such as the Craig Brook NFH, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Fisheries (NOAA-Fish), Penobscot Indian Nation and the Maine Department of Marine Resources. The recreational fishing opportunity at the Green Lake NFH is at the backwatered confluence of Reeds Brook and Graham Lake (Reeds Brook). The waterbodies are not owned or managed by the Service, though the hatchery allows access to a portion of the lake for fishing (Figure 2). Reeds Brook is a tributary Graham Lake that runs through the northern end the hatchery’s property with a depth that ranges from approximately 1 to 10 feet depending on the season. All fishing is regulated by and needs to be in compliance with the State of Maine fishing regulations. The purpose of this document is to support bringing Green Lake NFH into compliance with Federal regulations by formally opening the station to public recreational fishing along the Reeds Green Lake National Fish Hatchery - Draft Recreational Fishing Plan 4 Brook. It is a priority of the Service to provide for wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities, including fishing, when those opportunities are compatible with the purposes for which the hatchery was established and the mission of the Service. II. Statement of Objectives The objectives of a recreational fishing program at the Green Lake NFH are to provide: • The general public access to Reeds Brook from hatchery property to fish in accordance with the State of Maine fishing regulations from legal sunrise until legal sunset; • The public with recreational activities to experience wildlife on hatchery lands and increase opportunities for anglers, especially for youth and families; and • Increased alignment with the Maine Department on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MEDIFW) and a stronger association between state and Federal lands. This recreational fishing plan is consistent with Secretarial Order 3356, “continues the Department of the Interior's efforts to enhance conservation stewardship; increase outdoor recreation opportunities for all Americans, including opportunities to hunt and fish; and tp improve the management of game species and their habitats for this generation and beyond." The Service is proposing to allow public access for sportfishing from the Green Lake NFH property to Reeds Brook. III. Description of Fishing Program A. Areas to be Opened to Fishing Recreational fishing is allowed in the backwatered area of Reeds Brook, classified as part of Graham Lake by the State of Maine, from existing public access points on hatchery property. Access points are unimproved and should not be considered accessible under definitions associated with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The primary fishing area is approximately 4 acres located between the hydroelectric dam and State Route 180 (Mariaville Road) on the southern shoreline. Public fishing is only allowed on Reeds Brook (Figure 2). Fishing can be conducted from the shoreline. Additional access to this area is intermittently available by boat from Graham Lake depending on the water level of the lake. Small hand carry boat (i.e. canoes and kayaks) can be launch via foot from existing access points. Fishing on all other waterbodies (with the exception of Reeds Brook and Graham Lake) on or from hatchery property is prohibited. B. Species to be Taken, Fishing Seasons, Fishing Access Reeds Brook Green Lake National Fish Hatchery - Draft Recreational Fishing Plan 5 The primary fish species that inhabit the area accessible for fishing from the hatchery property include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, sunfish, and chain pickerel. Other warm water species may be present. Public fishing, including fishing seasons, is conducted according to all applicable recreational fishing laws and regulations established and published by the State of Maine, with additional hatchery-specific restrictions (described in Part IV). Reeds Brook runs through the west edge of the hatchery property near the entrance gate on Hatchery Way. Anglers can use the road and parking lots on the hatchery property for vehicles. A small parking area near the access point outside of the gate is maintained, additional parking may be available inside the gate, during regular business hours (Figure 2). Reeds Brook is accessible for fishing via foot and existing access points should be used to reach the fishable waters. C. Fishing Permit Requirements Aside from hatchery-specific regulations for fishing (described in Part IV), recreational fishing on the brook is conducted in accordance with current published fishing laws and license requirements of the State of Maine. No additional permits are required beyond what is required by Maine recreational fishing laws and license requirements. Current State of Maine fishing laws can be obtained from MEDIFW, and licenses can be obtained from agents throughout the State (sporting goods stores, many convenience stores, town clerks and turnpike service centers, online or at the MEDIFW office in Augusta. Anglers can contact MEDIFW directly for assistance through their website or by calling 207-287-8000 during regular business hours (Monday-Friday 8am-5pm). MDIFW Mailing Address: Physical Address: 41 State House Station 284 State Street Augusta, ME 04333-0041 Augusta, ME 04333-0041 Website: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/ Fishing Regulations Website: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing-boating/index.html D. Consultation and Coordination with the State National fish hatcheries conduct fishing programs within the framework of state and Federal regulations. All authorized fishing is regulated by the State of Maine. This plan and the associated environmental assessment (EA) have been reviewed and are supported by MEDIFW. The Green Lake NFH will continue to consult and coordinate with MEDIFW annually to ensure the recreational fishing plan is consistent with State regulations. E. Law Enforcement Public waters are under the jurisdiction of Maine law enforcement officers. Federal law Green Lake National Fish Hatchery - Draft Recreational Fishing Plan 6 enforcement officers may monitor the public-use areas on hatchery property.