DOCSLIB.ORG

The Crooked River: Characteristics, History, and Fisheries Management

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Crooked River: Characteristics, History, and Fisheries Management The Crooked River: Characteristics, History, and Fisheries Management Prepared by: James Pellerin Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist Urban D. Pierce, Jr. Regional Fisheries Biologist (Retired) Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife April 2015 Table of Contents Foreword……………………………………………………………………………… 3 Introduction (UP)……………………………………………………………………… 4 Physical Description (UP)…………………………………………………………….. 6 General………………………………………………………………………… 6 Topography……………………………………………………………………. 6 Bedrock & Surficial Geology…………………………………………………. 7 Soils…………………………………………………………………................ 8 Climate………………………………………………………………………… 9 Drainage & Hydrology………………………………………………………… 9 History ……………………………………………………..………………………….. 11 Past Land & Water Use (UP)……………………………….............................. 11 Present Land & Water Use (UP)………………………………………………. 14 Future Land & Water Use (UP)……………………………………………….. 15 Watershed Protection & Conservation………………………………………… 15 Fisheries Management History………………………………………………………… 17 Fish Stocking………………………………………………………………….. 17 Regulations…………………………………………………….……………… 18 Fisheries: Crooked River………………………………………………………. 19 Fisheries: Sebago Lake………………………………………………………… 22 Fish Passage Obstructions …….……………….……………………………………… 25 Main stem Dams (UP)……………..…………………………………………… 25 Tributary Obstructions (UP)..…………………………………………………… 28 Crooked River Impediment Survey…………………………………………….. 28 Beaver Dams & other Natural Fish Passage Barriers…………………………… 29 Public Access (UP)…………...………………………………………………………… 31 Water Quality…………………………………………………………………………… 32 MDEP Water Quality Classification…………………………………………… 32 Temperature……………………………………………………………………. 34 Dissolved Oxygen……………………………………………………………… 37 pH………………………………………………………………………………. 37 Other Water Quality Parameter………………………………………………… 38 Habitat Quantity & Quality…………………………………………………………….. 39 Main stem………………………………………………………………………. 39 Tributaries………………………………………………………………………. 41 Biological Data - Fish…………………………………………………........................... 43 Fish Species Occurrence & Relative Abundance………………………………. 43 Electrofishing Data……………………………………………………………… 44 Abundance of Juvenile Salmon & Brook Trout………………………… 44 Density of Juvenile Salmon & Brook Trout ...…………………………. 48 Growth Parameters of Juvenile Salmon & Brook Trout ………………. 49 Bolsters Mills Fishtrap Data…………………………………………………….. 52 Total Salmonid Counts………………………………………………….. 52 General Timing of Salmonid Movements……………………………….. 55 Relationship of Temperature & Flows on Salmonid Movement………… 57 Salmonid Growth Parameters…………………………………………… 60 Trapnetting Data………………………………………………………………… 62 Other Biological Data…………………………………………………………………… 65 1 Algae……………………………………………………………………………. 65 Macroinvertebrates……………………………………………………………… 65 Potential Salmon Production Modeling…………………………………………………. 66 Crooked River Redd Survey…………………………………………………………….. 70 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………….. 72 Fishery Management Plan for the Crooked River………………………………………. 73 Management Goal…………………………………………….............................. 73 Prioritized Management Objectives…………………………………………….. 73 Management Problems and Strategies………………………………………….. 73 Acknowledgements…………………………………………………………………….. 76 References………………………………………………………………………………. 77 Appendices……………………………………………………………………………… 83-114 2 Foreword This report was originally initiated in 1983 as a Strategic Fisheries Management Plan for the Crooked River in response to the “Maine Rivers Act” of June 17, 1983, and to formalize and document specific objectives and procedures for managing this important fishery resource. Urban D. Pierce, Jr. drafted the initial report, but never finished due to his retirement from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries Wildlife (MDIFW). The long and storied history of the Crooked River, its regional importance, extensive data collection efforts, and its significance to the landlocked salmon fishery of Sebago Lake warranted an update and completion of the report. Portions of the early draft report prepared by Urban Pierce, Jr. are denoted in the table of contents by his initials (UP). Some of these sections are presented largely intact as originally written with only minor edits, whereas other sections have been updated or edited more extensively. Edits, updates, and the remainder of the report were written and compiled by the primary author, James Pellerin. This report serves to document the extent and quality of the Crooked River’s fishery resources, as well as past and present management by the MDIFW. This document also provides a guideline and reference source for the protection and enhancement of this valuable river resource for the future. 3 Introduction This document provides an overview of the Crooked River, its fishery, and sets forth a plan for the management of landlocked Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) (also referred to as “salmon”) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). The terms “LLS” and “BKT” are used in some tables and graphs for brevity and refer to landlocked Atlantic salmon and brook trout, respectively. The Crooked River is the single most important spawning and nursery tributary supporting the wild salmon sport fishery in Sebago Lake. The river has the potential to significantly, if not entirely, sustain Sebago Lake’s salmon fishery with naturally produced fish. Aside from its importance as a spawning and nursery tributary for wild Sebago Lake salmon, the Crooked River also provides substantial recreational angling opportunity as a high quality riverine salmon fishery. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) has been instrumental in the restoration of spawning runs of salmon and brook trout to the Crooked River since the 1970’s. Prior to the early 70’s, Sebago Lake salmon had been denied access to nearly all of the spawning and nursery grounds of the Crooked River for nearly 150 years, due to the presence of impassable dams. The obstruction of this major tributary was one of the greatest factors contributing to the decline of wild salmon and brook trout in Sebago Lake. In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, two of the three major dams on the lower sections of the river were breached and a fishway was provided at the third. These changes afforded spawning salmonids access to nearly the entire river for the first time in over one and a half centuries. Today, significant numbers of wild salmon and brook trout are again being produced throughout the entire reach of the Crooked River. There are 25 lakes in the Crooked River drainage, some of which are being actively managed for salmon and brook trout. The largest lake in the drainage is Pleasant Lake (1,077 acres) in Casco and Otisfield. There are also several tributary streams feeding into the main stem of the Crooked River. Most of these tributaries are relatively small, and compared to the main stem of the Crooked River support only limited salmon production. However, they are particularly important for brook trout as spawning and nursery habitat and for thermal refuge. Several of the larger tributaries provide salmon spawning and nursery habitat, but production potential for salmon is dwarfed by the main stem. In addition, the Wade Fish Hatchery and Rearing Station operated by MDIFW are located on Mile Brook, and serves as the major salmon rearing facility for southern Maine. The first section of this report includes descriptions of the general characteristics of the drainage. Other sections describe the river’s history, resources, fish species composition, species abundance, habitat quantity and quality, and the fisheries potential of the river. Based on an assessment of this information, the document then identifies MDIFW’s management goals and objectives for the river (the fisheries management plan). Existing and potential problems that could prevent the successful attainment of the goal and objectives are also discussed. Management strategies deemed most appropriate at this time are also explored. The fisheries management plan section of this document is based on the existing habitat potential of the Crooked River to support wild populations of salmon and brook trout. The management plan is not intended to be so rigid as to preclude changes that may be necessary to better manage this river’s resources into the future. For example, we consider the Crooked River 4 to have higher value for its production of wild salmon to Sebago Lake than for the fishing opportunity it provides the angling public, so the rapidly increasing popularity of riverine sport fisheries could necessitate additional fishing restrictions to maintain production goals. Finally, although presented separately in this document, the management plan for the Crooked River is an integral component of the management plan for Sebago Lake (Brautigam and Pellerin 2008), and key management components in this document may also be incorporated into the lake plan. 5 Physical Description General The Crooked River watershed lies within southwestern Maine in south central Oxford County and in north central Cumberland County. It is bordered by the Androscoggin River watershed to the north and east, and portions of the Presumpscot and Saco River watersheds to the south and west. The Crooked River watershed is a sub-watershed of the Presumpscot River basin and is an indirect tributary to Sebago Lake, which has a surface area of approximately 45.6 mi2. The Crooked River originates at Songo Pond in Albany and flows in a southerly direction through the townships of Albany, Waterford, Norway, Harrison, Otisfield, Naples, and Casco before it merges with the Songo River,
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Surficial Geology of the Naples 7.5' Quadrangle, Maine
    DE PART MENT OF CON SER VA TION Maine Geo logi cal Sur vey Rob ert G. Marv in ney, State Ge olo gist OPEN- FILE NO. 97-65 Ti tle: Sur fic ial Ge ol ogy of the Naples 7.5- minute Quad ran gle, Cum ber land County, Maine Author: Carol T. Hildreth Date: 1997 Fi nan cial Sup port: Funding for the prepara tion of this report was provided in part by the U.S. Geo logi cal Sur vey STATE MAP Pro gram, Co op era tive Agree ment No. 1434- 95- A- 01364. As so ci ated Maps: Sur fic ial ge ol ogy of the Naples quad ran gle, Open- File 97- 50 Surfic ial materials of the Naples quadran gle, Open- File 98-188 Con tents: 9 p. report Maine Geo logi cal Sur vey Open- File 97- 65 Surficial Geology of the Naples 7.5-minute Quadrangle, Cumberland County, Maine Carol T. Hil dreth CTH En ter prizes 135 Wash ing ton Street Hol lis ton, Mas sa chu setts 01746 IN TRO DUC TION The Naples 7.5' quadran gle has an area of about 133 km2 others (1985, p. 52) point out that de posit s of gla cial streams in (52 mi2). It is lo cated in south west ern Maine, within the Sea - Maine form a den dritic pat tern that may reflect pre gla cial drain - board Lowland physiographi c province , about 32 km (20 mi) age (Figure 2). Thus the pregla cia l Androscog gin River may northwest of Portland.
    [Show full text]
  • West Branch Penobscot Fishing Report
    West Branch Penobscot Fishing Report Tsarism and authorial Cal blacktops, but Tomlin interminably laving her Bodoni. Converted Christopher coups dumbstruck.horridly. Vasiform Joseph wambled no spindrift exhausts clerically after Elton temps meritoriously, quite Read across for example of the future uses and whitefish, west branch of things like anglers There certainly are patterns, year to year, day to day, but your fishing plans always need to be flexible this time of year. Maine has an equal vote with other states on the ASMFC Striped Bass Board, which meets next Tuesday, Feb. New fishing destinations in your area our Guiding! Continue reading the results are in full swing and feeding fish are looking. Atlantic Salmon fry have been stocked from the shores of Bowlin Camps Lodge each year. East Outlet dam is just as as! Of which flow into Indian Pond reach Season GEAR Species Length Limit Total Bag. Anyone ever fish the East and West Branches of Kennebec. And they provide a great fish for families to target. No sign of the first big flush of young of the year alewives moving down river, but we are due any day now. Good technique and local knowledge may be your ticket to catching trout. Salmon, smelt, shad, and alewife were historically of high value to the commercial fishing industry. As the tide dropped out of this bay there was one pack of striped bass that packed themselves so tightly together and roamed making tight circles as they went. Food, extra waterproof layers, and hot drinks are always excellent choices. John watershed including the Northwest, Southwest, and Baker branches, and the Little and Big Black Rivers.
    [Show full text]
  • The Geomorphic Function and Characteristics of Large Woody Debris in Low Gradient Rivers, Coastal Maine, USA ⁎ F.J
    Available online at www.sciencedirect.com Geomorphology 97 (2008) 467–482 www.elsevier.com/locate/geomorph The geomorphic function and characteristics of large woody debris in low gradient rivers, coastal Maine, USA ⁎ F.J. Magilligan a, , K.H. Nislow b, G.B. Fisher c, J. Wright d, G. Mackey e, M. Laser f a Department of Geography, 6017 Fairchild, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA b U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service, Northern Research Station, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA c Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA d Gulf of Maine Coastal Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Falmouth, ME 04105, USA e Department of Marine Resources, Bureau of Sea Run Fisheries and Habitat, Jonesboro, ME 04648, USA f Department of Marine Resources, Bureau of Sea Run Fisheries and Habitat, Augusta, ME 04333-0172, USA Received 22 May 2007; received in revised form 30 August 2007; accepted 31 August 2007 Available online 7 September 2007 Abstract The role, function, and importance of large woody debris (LWD) in rivers depend strongly on environmental context and land use history. The coastal watersheds of central and northern Maine, northeastern U.S., are characterized by low gradients, moderate topography, and minimal influence of mass wasting processes, along with a history of intensive commercial timber harvest. In spite of the ecological importance of these rivers, which contain the last wild populations of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in the U.S., we know little about LWD distribution, dynamics, and function in these systems. We conducted a cross-basin analysis in seven coastal Maine watersheds, documenting the size, frequency, volume, position, and orientation of LWD, as well as the association between LWD, pool formation, and sediment storage.
    [Show full text]
  • Penobscot Rivershed with Licensed Dischargers and Critical Salmon
    0# North West Branch St John T11 R15 WELS T11 R17 WELS T11 R16 WELS T11 R14 WELS T11 R13 WELS T11 R12 WELS T11 R11 WELS T11 R10 WELS T11 R9 WELS T11 R8 WELS Aroostook River Oxbow Smith Farm DamXW St John River T11 R7 WELS Garfield Plt T11 R4 WELS Chapman Ashland Machias River Stream Carry Brook Chemquasabamticook Stream Squa Pan Stream XW Daaquam River XW Whitney Bk Dam Mars Hill Squa Pan Dam Burntland Stream DamXW Westfield Prestile Stream Presque Isle Stream FRESH WAY, INC Allagash River South Branch Machias River Big Ten Twp T10 R16 WELS T10 R15 WELS T10 R14 WELS T10 R13 WELS T10 R12 WELS T10 R11 WELS T10 R10 WELS T10 R9 WELS T10 R8 WELS 0# MARS HILL UTILITY DISTRICT T10 R3 WELS Water District Resevoir Dam T10 R7 WELS T10 R6 WELS Masardis Squapan Twp XW Mars Hill DamXW Mule Brook Penobscot RiverYosungs Lakeh DamXWed0# Southwest Branch St John Blackwater River West Branch Presque Isle Strea Allagash River North Branch Blackwater River East Branch Presque Isle Strea Blaine Churchill Lake DamXW Southwest Branch St John E Twp XW Robinson Dam Prestile Stream S Otter Brook L Saint Croix Stream Cox Patent E with Licensed Dischargers and W Snare Brook T9 R8 WELS 8 T9 R17 WELS T9 R16 WELS T9 R15 WELS T9 R14 WELS 1 T9 R12 WELS T9 R11 WELS T9 R10 WELS T9 R9 WELS Mooseleuk Stream Oxbow Plt R T9 R13 WELS Houlton Brook T9 R7 WELS Aroostook River T9 R4 WELS T9 R3 WELS 9 Chandler Stream Bridgewater T T9 R5 WELS TD R2 WELS Baker Branch Critical UmScolcus Stream lmon Habitat Overlay South Branch Russell Brook Aikens Brook West Branch Umcolcus Steam LaPomkeag Stream West Branch Umcolcus Stream Tie Camp Brook Soper Brook Beaver Brook Munsungan Stream S L T8 R18 WELS T8 R17 WELS T8 R16 WELS T8 R15 WELS T8 R14 WELS Eagle Lake Twp T8 R10 WELS East Branch Howe Brook E Soper Mountain Twp T8 R11 WELS T8 R9 WELS T8 R8 WELS Bloody Brook Saint Croix Stream North Branch Meduxnekeag River W 9 Turner Brook Allagash Stream Millinocket Stream T8 R7 WELS T8 R6 WELS T8 R5 WELS Saint Croix Twp T8 R3 WELS 1 Monticello R Desolation Brook 8 St Francis Brook TC R2 WELS MONTICELLO HOUSING CORP.
    [Show full text]
  • The Following Document Comes to You From
    MAINE STATE LEGISLATURE The following document is provided by the LAW AND LEGISLATIVE DIGITAL LIBRARY at the Maine State Law and Legislative Reference Library http://legislature.maine.gov/lawlib Reproduced from scanned originals with text recognition applied (searchable text may contain some errors and/or omissions) ACTS AND RESOLVES AS PASSED BY THE Ninetieth and Ninety-first Legislatures OF THE STATE OF MAINE From April 26, 1941 to April 9, 1943 AND MISCELLANEOUS STATE PAPERS Published by the Revisor of Statutes in accordance with the Resolves of the Legislature approved June 28, 1820, March 18, 1840, March 16, 1842, and Acts approved August 6, 1930 and April 2, 193I. KENNEBEC JOURNAL AUGUSTA, MAINE 1943 PUBLIC LAWS OF THE STATE OF MAINE As Passed by the Ninety-first Legislature 1943 290 TO SIMPLIFY THE INLAND FISHING LAWS CHAP. 256 -Hte ~ ~ -Hte eOt:l:llty ffi' ft*; 4tet s.e]3t:l:ty tfl.a.t mry' ~ !;;llOWR ~ ~ ~ ~ "" hunting: ffi' ftshiRg: Hit;, ffi' "" Hit; ~ mry' ~ ~ ~, ~ ft*; eounty ~ ft8.t rett:l:rRes. ~ "" rC8:S0R8:B~e tffi:re ~ ft*; s.e]38:FtaFe, ~ ~ ffi" 5i:i'ffi 4tet s.e]3uty, ~ 5i:i'ffi ~ a-5 ~ 4eeme ReCCSS8:F)-, ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ffi'i'El, 4aH ~ eRtitles. 4E; Fe8:50nable fee5 ffi'i'El, C!E]3C::lSCS ~ ft*; sen-ices ffi'i'El, ~ ft*; ffi4s, ~ ~ ~ ~ -Hte tFeasurcr ~ ~ eouRty. BefoFc tfte sffi4 ~ €of' ~ ~ 4ep­ i:tt;- ~ ffle.t:J:.p 8:s.aitional e1E]3cfisc itt -Hte eM, ~ -Hte ~ ~~' ~, ftc ~ ~ -Hte conseRt ~"" lIiajority ~ -Hte COt:l:fity COfi111'lissioReFs ~ -Hte 5a+4 coufity. Whenever it shall come to the attention of the commis­ sioner
    [Show full text]
  • Saco River Saco & Biddeford, Maine
    Environmental Assessment Finding of No Significant Impact, and Section 404(b)(1) Evaluation for Maintenance Dredging DRAFT Saco River Saco & Biddeford, Maine US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS New England District March 2016 Draft Environmental Assessment: Saco River FNP DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT Section 404(b)(1) Evaluation Saco River Saco & Biddeford, Maine FEDERAL NAVIGATION PROJECT MAINTENANCE DREDGING March 2016 New England District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 696 Virginia Rd Concord, Massachusetts 01742-2751 Table of Contents 1.0 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................... 1 2.0 PROJECT HISTORY, NEED, AND AUTHORITY .......................................... 1 3.0 PROPOSED PROJECT DESCRIPTION ....................................................... 3 4.0 ALTERNATIVES ............................................................................................ 6 4.1 No Action Alternative ..................................................................................... 6 4.2 Maintaining Channel at Authorized Dimensions............................................. 6 4.3 Alternative Dredging Methods ........................................................................ 6 4.3.1 Hydraulic Cutterhead Dredge....................................................................... 7 4.3.2 Hopper Dredge ........................................................................................... 7 4.3.3 Mechanical Dredge ....................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • KENNEBEC SALMON RESTORATION: Innovation to Improve the Odds
    FALL/ WINTER 2015 THE NEWSLETTER OF MAINE RIVERS KENNEBEC SALMON RESTORATION: Innovation to Improve the Odds Walking thigh-deep into a cold stream in January in Maine? The idea takes a little getting used to, but Paul Christman doesn’t have a hard time finding volunteers to do just that to help with salmon egg planting. Christman is a scientist with Maine Department of Marine Resource. His work, patterned on similar efforts in Alaska, involves taking fertilized salmon eggs from a hatchery and planting them directly into the cold gravel of the best stream habitat throughout the Sandy River, a Kennebec tributary northwest of Waterville. Yes, egg planting takes place in the winter. For Maine Rivers board member Sam Day plants salmon eggs in a tributary of the Sandy River more than a decade Paul has brought staff and water, Paul and crews mimic what female salmon volunteers out on snowshoes and ATVs, and with do: Create a nest or “redd” in the gravel of a river waders and neoprene gloves for this remarkable or stream where she plants her eggs in the fall, undertaking. Finding stretches of open stream continued on page 2 PROGRESS TO UNDERSTAND THE HEALTH OF THE ST. JOHN RIVER The waters of the St. John River flow from their headwaters in Maine to the Bay of Fundy, and for many miles serve as the boundary between Maine and Quebec. Waters of the St. John also flow over the Mactaquac Dam, erected in 1968, which currently produces a substantial amount of power for New Brunswick. Efforts are underway now to evaluate the future of the Mactaquac Dam because its mechanical structure is expected to reach the end of its service life by 2030 due to problems with the concrete portions of the dam’s station.
    [Show full text]
  • Presumpscot Watershed Initiative Factsheet.Pub
    Presumpscot Watershed Initiative PROJECT FACTSHEET Historical Background The success of the Presumpscot The Presumpscot River flows 27 miles from Sebago Lake into Casco Bay and the Watershed Initiative was the result of Gulf of Maine. The river’s watershed encompasses 205 square miles of primarily many partners working together throughout the watershed to improve forested and agricultural land. The river itself has a history of extensive industrial habitat and water quality and to foster use since the early 1700s. By the 1950s, the river had nine ddams an was so stewardship. In addition to the Casco polluted that fumes from the river peeled paint off nearby homes. Prior to Bay Estuary Partnership, partners industrialization, there were abundant salmon, alewife, shad, smelt, and eel included: fisheries, which have since been greatly diminished. Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District In recent years the water and habitat quality of the river have improved with the Friends of Casco Bay cessation of pulp mill discharges in the 1990s and the removal of Smelt Hill Dam Presumpscot River Watch in 2002. Anadromous fish are returning to the river’s main stem and tributaries. Presumpscot River Watershed Coalition Environmental Challenges Maine Department of While the river has recovered from some past problems, increased watershed Environmental Protection and shoreline development are leading to environmental impacts: Municipal road crews, state agencies, Toxic chemicals and excess nutrients enter the river system via stormwater golf courses, citizen volunteers, landowners, schools, and many flowing from impervious surfaces. others! Excess sedimentation from roadways and livestock activities deteriorate fish spawning areas. The loss of riparian vegetation causes thermal impacts, which impair water quality for cold water fisheries.
    [Show full text]
  • Data Quality, Performance, and Uncertainty in Taxonomic Identification for Biological Assessments
    J. N. Am. Benthol. Soc., 2008, 27(4):906–919 Ó 2008 by The North American Benthological Society DOI: 10.1899/07-175.1 Published online: 28 October 2008 Data quality, performance, and uncertainty in taxonomic identification for biological assessments 1 2 James B. Stribling AND Kristen L. Pavlik Tetra Tech, Inc., 400 Red Brook Blvd., Suite 200, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117-5159 USA Susan M. Holdsworth3 Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, US Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Mail Code 4503T, Washington, DC 20460 USA Erik W. Leppo4 Tetra Tech, Inc., 400 Red Brook Blvd., Suite 200, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117-5159 USA Abstract. Taxonomic identifications are central to biological assessment; thus, documenting and reporting uncertainty associated with identifications is critical. The presumption that comparable results would be obtained, regardless of which or how many taxonomists were used to identify samples, lies at the core of any assessment. As part of a national survey of streams, 741 benthic macroinvertebrate samples were collected throughout the eastern USA, subsampled in laboratories to ;500 organisms/sample, and sent to taxonomists for identification and enumeration. Primary identifications were done by 25 taxonomists in 8 laboratories. For each laboratory, ;10% of the samples were randomly selected for quality control (QC) reidentification and sent to an independent taxonomist in a separate laboratory (total n ¼ 74), and the 2 sets of results were compared directly. The results of the sample-based comparisons were summarized as % taxonomic disagreement (PTD) and % difference in enumeration (PDE). Across the set of QC samples, mean values of PTD and PDE were ;21 and 2.6%, respectively.
    [Show full text]
  • Geologic Site of the Month: Why Is Sebago Lake So Deep?
    Why is Sebago Lake so deep? Maine Geological Survey Maine Geologic Facts and Localities February, 1999 Why is Sebago Lake so deep? 43° 51‘ 13.36“ N, 70° 33‘ 43.98“ W Text by Robert A. Johnston Maine Geological Survey, Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry 1 Why is Sebago Lake so deep? Maine Geological Survey Introduction Modern geophysical equipment allows geologists to investigate previously unmapped environments, including ocean and lake floors. Recent geophysical research studied the types, composition, areal extent, and thickness of sediments on the bottom of Sebago Lake in southwestern Maine. Geologists used side- scan sonar and seismic reflection profiling to map the bottom of the lake. Approximately 58 percent of the lake bottom was imaged with side-scan sonar and over 60 miles of seismic reflection profiles were collected. This web site will discuss the findings of the seismic reflection profiling. Maine Geological Survey, Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry 2 Why is Sebago Lake so deep? Maine Geological Survey Physiographic setting Sebago Lake, although second in surface area to Moosehead Lake, is Maine's deepest lake. With a water depth of 316 feet, its deepest part is 49 feet below sea level! Sebago Lake is located in southwestern Maine 20 miles northwest of Portland and 50 miles southeast of the White Mountains. It lies along the transition between the Central Highlands and the Coastal Lowlands physiographic regions of New England (Figure 1). The abrupt change in landscape can be seen in panoramic views from several vantage points near Sebago Lake. Denny, 1982 Denny, Maine Geological Survey From From Figure 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Up and Up: River Herring in Eastern Maine
    DOWNEAST FISHERIES PARTNERSHIP 2019 Up and up: River Herring in Eastern Maine PREPARED BY Anne Hayden, Medea Steinman, and Rachel Gorich This report is also available online at: downeastfisheries.org OUR PARTNERS coa.edu downeastinstitute.org mainesalmonrivers.org coastalfisheries.org mcht.org mainefarmlandtrust.org seagrant.umaine.edu manomet.org sunrisecounty.org wccog.net Contents 2 Introduction 2 Challenges for River Herring 4 What can be done? 5 What are River Herring? 6 Benefits of River Herring? 7 Managment 9 Status in 2018 11 Restoration Activities in Eastern Maine 14 Case Studies in River Herring Restoration 14 Bagaduce River 17 Patten Stream 17 Union River OUR PARTNERS 18 Narraguagus River 18 East Machias River 21 Orange River 21 Pennamaquan River 22 St. Croix River 23 Looking Ahead DOWNEAST FISHERIES parTNERSHIP / UP AND UP: RIVER HerrING IN EASTERN MAINE 1 Introduction River herring runs in eastern Maine are coming back! A string of successful projects, from the opening of the St. Croix fishway to the renewal of commercial fishing on Card Mill Stream in Franklin, have fueled growing momentum for restoration of rivers and streams, big and small. This report is an update on the status of river herring runs in eastern Maine. It describes the value of river herring and some of the many projects underway to allow river herring to swim upstream to their spawning habitat. Because river herring are a keystone species in freshwater and marine systems—and are so responsive to restoration efforts—they have become a focus of the Downeast Fisheries Partnership effort to restore fisheries in eastern Maine.
    [Show full text]
  • Official List of Public Waters
    Official List of Public Waters New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Water Division Dam Bureau 29 Hazen Drive PO Box 95 Concord, NH 03302-0095 (603) 271-3406 https://www.des.nh.gov NH Official List of Public Waters Revision Date October 9, 2020 Robert R. Scott, Commissioner Thomas E. O’Donovan, Division Director OFFICIAL LIST OF PUBLIC WATERS Published Pursuant to RSA 271:20 II (effective June 26, 1990) IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not use this list for determining water bodies that are subject to the Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act (CSPA). The CSPA list is available on the NHDES website. Public waters in New Hampshire are prescribed by common law as great ponds (natural waterbodies of 10 acres or more in size), public rivers and streams, and tidal waters. These common law public waters are held by the State in trust for the people of New Hampshire. The State holds the land underlying great ponds and tidal waters (including tidal rivers) in trust for the people of New Hampshire. Generally, but with some exceptions, private property owners hold title to the land underlying freshwater rivers and streams, and the State has an easement over this land for public purposes. Several New Hampshire statutes further define public waters as including artificial impoundments 10 acres or more in size, solely for the purpose of applying specific statutes. Most artificial impoundments were created by the construction of a dam, but some were created by actions such as dredging or as a result of urbanization (usually due to the effect of road crossings obstructing flow and increased runoff from the surrounding area).
    [Show full text]