Library Use Only AUGUST 1990 —Maine

1 J V/ THE NATURE CONSERVANCY

JLn the heart of York County lies an Top: scrub oaks flank expanse of wild and strangely beau- EK Z towering pitch pine trees tiful woodlands, where pitch pines & at Waterboro Barrens; reach to the horizon in every direc- I left: pitch pine needles; tion. For the past 8,000 years, with I bottom: scrub oak acorns the exception of periodic fires, little Lp>' has changed within this sandy, silent landscape. Deer and other wildlife pass the seasons reliable surface water to resident and vis­ quietly among the shrubs and tall, gnarled iting wildlife. conifers. Countless butterflies and moths, But thousands of years of evolution are including many rare species, add cyclical now threatened, and until recently it was bursts of life to the dry hillsides. unclear whether this extraordinary area Natural fires, a critical component of the pine bar­ would survive into the next decade. rens, periodically halt the encroachment of young hard­ Located only 25 miles southwest of Portland, and wood trees and rejuvenate the surviving plants. near Maine’s rapidly-developing southern coastal area, Underlying the vegetation, a natural aquifer collects the land surrounding this serene pine barrens wilderness pure water filtrated through layer upon layer of sand is under increasing pressure. Five miles north of the and gravel. Pristine ponds, streams, and bogs provide property is Lake Arrowhead, a development of over - Continued on page 2 - MAINE STATE LIBRARY SPP 9 0 1990 Fire and the Pine Barrens eriodic fires are a critical com­ ponent of the pine barrens eco­ Psystem and, in conjunction with topography, soils, and climate, have shaped the vegetative communities we see today. The leaves of many pine barrens plants contain particularly flammable resins and oils, and leaf lit­ ter and other plant material are slow to decompose on the extremely well- drained, acidic soils. This results in the accumulation of a deep organic mat, or duff layer, that readily bums. All dominant plants found on the pine barrens are tolerant of, and dependent on, fire. Pitch pine, for example, has fireproof bark, and, unlike white pine, can resprout from its trunk following crown damage. Scrub oak produces a burst of new growth after fire; according to John McPhee’s The Pine Barrens, “scrub oaks put out so many acoms after a fire they look like over-decorated Christmas trees.” Without fire, north­ ern hardwood forest species would invade, eventually replacing the pine barren species. The major stewardship challenge of the pine barrens is first to prevent and control the unintentional-but sometimes inevitable-wildfires that may threaten lives and property, and second to introduce controlled fires under carefully prescribed conditions in order to replicate the beneficial thousands of acres of pitch pine/scrub Waterboro Barrens effects of natural fires. oak vegetation scattered throughout Continued from page 1 An essential first step is to collect New York and New England. precise information on the area’s veg­ 2,000 residents recently described by the Most barrens are seemingly ideal places etation, resident wildlife, current fuel Portland Press Herald as “one of Maine’s for human settlement-occurring on load, fire history, and potential fire­ largest and fastest growing subdivisions.” deep, well drained soils with abundant breaks. The information will then In addition, active mining operations water reserves, and located in lowlands serve as the basis for a wildfire con­ have already altered a portion of the near coasts, harbors, rivers, and lakes. In tainment plan. It will also be the northern barrens, which overlie substan­ addition, they invariably occur on valu­ foundation for monitoring the effects tial sand and gravel deposits. able sand and gravel deposits. of both wildfire suppression and wild­ fires on the flora and fauna of this Realizing that southern Maine’s grow­ A Threatened Natural System complex forest ecosystem. ing populations could impair the Water­ In addition, the Maine Chapter boro pine barrens, The Nature Outright habitat destruction by land Science and Stewardship staff will Conservancy has secured an option to clearing, mining, and development, design an overall stewardship man­ purchase 1,100 acres of this endangered mostly during this century, has claimed agement plan for the future Water­ natural community from a developer, over half of the original pine barrens boro Barrens preserve that will who had envisioned a large recreational acreage. Remnant pine barrens are now include provisions to guide and residential complex. scattered in small and isolated pockets encourage compatible recreational In the mid 1600s, at the time of early use of this beautiful wildland. European settlement, there were tens of Continued on page 7

2-Maine Legacy, August 1990 Soft Blizzard: The Moths and Butterflies of the Pine Barrens

By John Albright, director, Maine Natural Heritage Program

icture in your mind a quiet, remote in spring. These will hatch in summer, Plandscape with parklike stands of and the larvae will transform to adults pitch pines, and ridge after ridge of pure in late fall in time to overwinter until scrub oak thickets covering thousands of here. Other species may use host plants spring to complete the cycle. acres. Picture dusk descending on this that are common elsewhere, such as One of the earliest flying moths in landscape in early spring when the blueberries or other heaths, but barrens Waterboro Barrens is the Twilight moth, evening air is full of the rich cool earthy remain one of the few habitats in Maine a species more commonly of central scent of frost rising out of the thawing that have been spared the destructive Canada and upper midwest, and one ground. And picture these pines alive use of pesticides or other effects of that is sometimes collected in driving with thousands of moths, fluttering in human intervention. Thus, barrens are snowstorms. the invisible night like a soft blizzard, a “last stronghold” for many Lepidopter­ Other species adopt a more conven­ and you have pictured the Waterboro an species. (By the same reasoning, we tional approach, carrying out their life Barrens. can expect that additional work on cycle in the course of one calendar year. “Barrens” of course is an entirely inap­ other pine barrens invertebrates will Some are insignificant in size and color. propriate appellation, because pine bar­ reveal many rarities restricted to or char­ Others are notable exceptions. The bril­ rens are as diverse and productive in acteristic of barrens.) liant Underwings, or Catacola species their component species as other habi­ Some of these species, especially the sport brightly colored hindwings that tats in Maine. The Waterboro Barrens ones dependent on bear oak for food, flash in the beam of light of the collec­ likely harbors more rare species than any are rare now because barrens have tor. other Nature Conservancy preserve in become so fragmented from destruction Perhaps the most sought after moth of Maine. or alteration that only a few viable bar­ the barrens is the buckmoth, a large, hir­ The single group of animals that gives rens habitats remain. The general per­ sute species with bold black, red and the barrens this distinction is the Lep- ception among entomologists currently white colors. The buckmoth flies for just idoptera, or butterflies and moths. At is that a barren must be on the order of a couple of weeks in late September least 45 species of butterflies and moths five hundred or more acres in size to sup­ before laying eggs and disappearing. The in Maine are dependent enough on pine port the full complement of expected name was given to the species because barrens habitats to be considered char­ barrens’ Lepidoptera. its flight period coincides with the time acteristic of barrens. Of these, 34 have The earliest moths to fly are the Noc- of year for hunting deer that frequent been recently documented in Maine, tuids. Moths in this family overwinter as the rich, acorn- laden ridge tops of scrub and of these, 25 are rare species either adults hidden under tree bark. As the oak. globally or in Maine. Many of these barrens thaw in early April, they emerge The Lepidoptera is just one group of have already been documented in at dusk for a brief flight period, looking interesting species that make their home Waterboro Barrens, and all can be for nectar from willow and maple buds, in the pine barrens. As we look at other expected with continuing survey work. and looking for mates. These species, groups, we will undoubtedly find just as Most of the rare Lepidoptera require such as the Acadian swordgrass moth many rare species—pointing to the either pitch pine (Pinus rigida) or scrub and Thaxter’s pinion moth will lay eggs value of protecting unusual natural sys­ oak (Quercus ilicifolia) as food for their tems like the Waterboro Barrens. larvae. Because these plants are domi­ nant in the pine barrens, it makes sense that we find these Lepidopteran species

Maine Legacy, August 1990-3 STEWARDSHIP NEWS

Seawall Beach Update: Piping Plover and Least Tern Management Continues by Jacquelyn M. Howard, Seawall Beach Warden

iping plover and least terns continue to be rare and ever more endangered Pcoastal bird species in Maine. The birds’ need for broad sandy beaches for nesting is in direct competition with beach goers, who use these same areas for recreation Above: a piping plover and relaxation. chick seems to embody the In Maine, piping plovers and least word “vulnerable," even terns nest in only six locations. With when in the caring hands of increased development and recreational a Conservancy steward; use of the beaches, habitat for these right: Jacquelyn Howard birds has decreased dramatically over (Conservancy intern) and the past decades, contributing to low Justine Logan (Maine population numbers throughout the Audubon staff) put up fence state. to protect nesting shorebirds Piping plovers have been monitored from foxes, skunks, and closely in the state since 1981. During other mammals. this time, numbers have fluctuated from a low of 7 pairs to a high of only 20 1986. Seawall Beach historically has had 1 plover nest were lost to June high pairs. This year, of 16 pairs counted, 11 the largest and most productive colony tides. Two plover nests hatched only to have attempted nesting. Of these 16 in the state. This year 42 terns have have crow and fox predate the young. pairs, 6 have been seen on Seawall with been sighted with 20 nests counted. Happily, human and pet disturbance 4 pairs actually nesting. Unfortunately, a combination of high has caused less of a problem so far this Least tern populations have been tides and fox and crow predation has summer due to increased awareness, monitored since 1977 in Maine and taken its toll on both the plover and cooperation and sensitivity to the birds’ numbers have ranged from a low of 39 tern populations at Seawall again this presence on the beach. pairs in 1982 to a high of 124 pairs in year. Approximately 13 tern nests and However, people can continue to help fight the odds facing these endan­ gered birds. People often ask, “If foxes Wish List and crows are the main threats, why do The Maine Chapter staff is wishing for the I have to leash my dog?” Ironically, just following donations: the fact that people are asking that • an orienteering-type compass for use by field question underscores the progress that staff, summer interns, and volunteers has been made in providing better man­ • a propane gas refrigerator in good working agement for plover and tern habitat. condition for the Damariscove Island caretakers’ cabin. While natural factors like predators and We also extend sincere thanks to the following beach processes may seem overwhelm­ individuals who made our wishes come true: ing, we can control human behavior • Mr. Robert A. Marden of Waterville, who and activities. By controlling human donated a new window for the Damariscove disturbances, we may better assess the Island caretakers’ cabin natural stresses on the birds and develop • Mr. John Stroud of North Waterboro, who the best possible management strategy. donated a door for the same cabin. (With the help of generous members, we are As this newsletter goes to press, making this cabin comfortable for our beach monitors are eagerly awaiting the patient caretakers!) fledging of the piping plover and least tern chicks on Seawall Beach.

4-Maine Legacy, August 1990 STEWARDSHIP NEWS

(food News for Bald Eagles: Four Pairs Newly Nest on Maine Chapter Preserves

or many years the Nature Con­ servancy has worked in cooperation Fwith the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) to pro­ tect nesting habitat for the bald eagle. A total of 20 traditional bald eagle nesting areas have been wholly or in part pro­ tected by the Conservancy; this is over half of all the nest sites in Maine that enjoy some level of protection. Given our past efforts to protect this species, we were delighted to learn this spring that MDIFW had located new eagle nests on four Conservancy island A newly-hatched bald eagle preserves—Great Wass (Beals), Great Duck (Frenchboro), Placentia (French- boro), and Sheep (North Haven) - dur­ Great Duck. Eagles survive on such took over an osprey nest on Sheep ing their annual aerial survey. Eagles are remote islands by taking advantage of Island to replace their fallen nest on also active at all but two of the other the bounty of nesting gulls, eiders, and adjacent Burnt Island. traditional nesting areas protected by cormorants; the nest on Great Duck was The Conservancy owns all or part of the Conservancy. seen to be adorned with the wings of 55 islands in Maine. It is always reward­ Great Wass Island, protected for its several herring gulls... ing when residents of the natural world boreal peatlands and jack pine forest, Eagles were reported nesting on Pla­ unexpectedly take up residence on one has no historical record of nesting centia Island as early as the 1920s. In of our island preserves - confirming not eagles. The island is situated in an 1981, MDIFW constructed an artificial only our good judgment in selecting archipelago that provides prime eagle nest platform in the original nest tree to natural lands, but also the value of pro­ habitat, with several pairs nesting on replace the nest that had blown down tecting sufficient habitat to accommo­ adjacent islands. In fact, when the nest five years earlier. Used for several years, date unpredictable shifts in the natural tree of one pair blew down, they simply this nest also fell into disrepair until it world. - Julie Henderson commandeered a nest from a pair of was rebuilt this year by a pair of eagles ospreys on nearby Great Wass. who have produced two young. Bald Eagle Nests on Maine Chapter Although eagles had been seen on The eagle nest on 25-acre Sheep Preserves, 1990 Little Duck Island around 1985, no nest Island off North Haven came as a total • Bradbury Island (Deer Isle, 170 acres) had been found in the area until one surprise to the Maine Chapter. Like the • Coggins Head (Pembroke, 53 acres) was discovered this year on adjacent pair on Great Wass, this pair of eagles • East Plummer Island (Addison, 10 acres) • Great Duck Island (Frenchboro, 245 acres) Qrasshopper Sparrow Update • Great Wass Island (Beals, 1,579 acres) • Little Hardwood Island (Jonesport, 10 acres) his summer there are 25 singing male grasshopper • Long Island (Lubec, 109 acres) Tsparrows on the Kennebunk Plains, the highest • Long Porcupine Island (Gouldsboro, since 1984, indicating this ecosystem is already on its 125 acres) way to recovery following drastic changes wrought by • Mark Island (W. Penobscot Bay, 36 herbicide application in the last six years. The Nature acres) Conservancy will be working with the Maine Depart­ • Placentia Island (Frenchboro, 500 ment of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to develop a acres) management plan to maintain this habitat for the • Sheep Island (North Haven, 25 acres) grasshopper sparrow and other resident endangered • Salt Island (Machiasport, 40 acres) species. • Shipstem Island (Harrington, 8 acres) The endangered grasshopper sparrow • Stone Island (Machiasport, 60 acres)

Maine Legacy, August 1990-5 Annual Meeting Thank You tion of other exceptional natural areas. Gifts of trade lands are accepted by the great thank-you to the 150 mem­ Conservancy with the donor’s agree­ bers and friends who attended the ment that the land may be sold and the AMaine Chapter’s Annual Meeting onproceeds used to acquire other land of Saturday, July 14th at the Laudholm greater ecological significance. Farm in Wells. Your presence and the Mr. and Mrs. Searing had purchased magnificent surroundings helped make this undeveloped land several years ago the meeting a great success. Several and had used it for nature hikes during talks and awards finished off a breezy day their visits to Maine. After Mr. Searing of field trips, business meeting, social passed away, Mrs. Searing decided she hour, and dinner. would like to do something with the Peter Blanchard with gull chick Dr. John C. Sawhill, new national land that would recognize her husband’s president of The Nature Conservancy, affection of the natural world, this land, 1990 Maine Chapter offered his views on the future direction and the State of Maine. As a member of Stewardship Award of the organization, noting the signifi­ the The Nature Conservancy, she con­ cance of the new landscape conserva­ tacted the Maine Chapter. eter P. Blanchard, volunteer extraor­ tion (or “bioreserve”) agenda and the A review of the Heritage Program dinaire, received the Maine Chap­ urgency of conservation needs in Latin database couple with an on-site evalu­ Pter’s annual Stewardship Award for his America and the Caribbean. He highly ation of the land revealed no exception­ outstanding efforts in monitoring and praised the Maine Chapter as a leading al natural features that would make it caring for several Conservancy preserves force and model for chapters across the appropriate for the Chapter to hold the in the Mount Desert Island area. Peter country. land as a preserve. Mrs. Searing decided was honored recently with the presti­ she wished to make a gift of the land to gious President’s Stewardship Award, Trade Land Gift the Conservancy nonetheless, as a trade only three of which are awarded nation­ land. Understanding that the proceeds ally. he Maine Chapter is please to from the eventual sale of this land would announce the generous gift of land be a fitting memorial for her late hus­ Tthrough The Nature Conservancy’s band. GIVE AN EAGLE THE BUSINESS! Trade Land Program. Mrs. Ruth Searing The Chapter is most grateful for this of Sanibel, Florida, has donated a 36- generous contribution to its work. Industrial sites, office buildings, any surplus appreciated real property can be turned acre parcel in Cushing, Maine, to the Thanks to Mrs. Searing, more of into a conservation contribution at The Nature Conservancy. Find out how your Conservancy in memory of her late hus­ Maine’s exceptional natural heritage gift of real estate can help the Con­ band, Joseph P. Searing. will endure for future generations. servancy provide shelter for wildlife . . . and for your income. Write or call The Trade Land Program offers sup­ (If you would like more information our field office to leam more about porters of the Conservancy’s work a way about the Trade Land Program, contact "trade lands" today to apply surplus land with no unusual Jim Dow at the Chapter office, 207-729- ecological features toward the conserva­ 5181.)

We Are Qrateful For... New Life Members Corporate Support Memorial Gifts Any gift of $1,000 or more to the Maine An annual gift of $100 or more qualifies Gifts in memory of the following Chapter Land Preservation Fund provides a business as a corporate member of the individuals have been received by the a life membership for the donor and spouse Maine Chapter. We are pleased to have Maine Chapter: in The Nature Conservancy. All such gifts received support from the following: Scott R. Akscyn furnish a long-term source of support to L. L. Bean, Inc. Iva Jane Baird help save land here in Maine. Cole-Haan Lettie Batson We are pleased to welcome as new life Computer-Link Corporation Fred Dudley members: The Greta Brown Layton Norman S. Goodwin Kenneth & Roberta Axelson Charitable Trust David Kayser Robert & Lynn Duplessie The David Rockefeller Fund, Inc. William B. Martz Mr. and Mrs. James E. Kuhns Margaret Moulton Sally Marki Foundation Support Mildred Perkins Dick and Maryanne Petrin We are grateful for the support of the Vivian Smith Mr. and Mrs. Charles Saben following foundations: Alice B. Stoody Webster & Elise VanWinkle Gerrish H. Milliken Foundation Robert Woodbury Elise Thomas Whalen The Nine Wicket Foundation

6-Maine Legacy, August 1990 Waterboro Barrens Continued from page 2 in the East, and many are being rapidly destroyed. Consequently, pitch pine/ scrub oak barrens are now considered globally endangered, and, after old growth forest (as protected by the Con­ servancy at Big Reed Forest Reserve), the single most threatened forest type in the entire Northeast. From New Jersey to Maine, pine barrens are a priority for protection by The Nature Conservancy. Despite 20th-century development pressure, a few significant pine barrens remain in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Though termed a “barrens," the Waterboro pine/oak community contains diverse New York, and northern New England. wildlife, topography, and several riverine and wetland systems. Photo by Joel B. Dyer Throughout this range, five distinct types of pine barrens occur, from the southern Maine-endangered Rattlesnake weed, or low-lying heath-shrub communities variant (exemplified by the famous New Poor Robin’s plantain (Hieracium veno- growing in frost pockets to old-growth Jersey pine barrens) to the boreal vari­ sum). In addition, the dense pitch pine pitch pines towering on the lee sides of ant, best represented by the Waterboro stands provide important deer wintering hills. Dense stands of pure scrub oak, a Barrens in Maine. To preserve the full areas. Future inventories will undoubt­ shrub that grows to six feet in height, range of variability in the pine barrens edly reveal additional exciting discov­ cover steep hilltops, while pine and natural community, the Conservancy is eries. scrub oak forests dominate the hillsides working to protect the best examples in Waterboro Barrens is exceptional and flatlands. each state. among New England pine barrens Interwoven with the pine barren because of its dramatic glacially-influ­ communities are beautiful leatherleaf An Exceptional Pine Barrens enced topography, steep-sided sand hills bogs, streams, a small gorge, streamside Rare species occur in virtually every and ridges, ranging in height from 20 to thickets, aspen forests, black spruce pine barren, and some of these species, 90 feet. This topography supports a vari­ swamps, bedrock outcrops, and miles of like the pine barrens buckmoth, are ety of vegetative communities, from frontage on three ponds and the Little considered globally rare. Conservancy Ossippee River. and Natural Heritage Program invento­ In April, 1989, a Conservancy ecol­ ries of Waterboro Barrens have already ogist made the trip to the Waterboro revealed occurrences of more than a Barrens that brought it to the top of dozen species of rare Lepidoptera (moths Maine Chapter protection priorities. A and butterflies), and the Waterboro Bar­ letter he wrote the following day rens is the only known location for the expressed his enthusiasm about the property: “I was awestruck by the expansive­ ness, topographic features, and vegeta­ tion associated with this new barren ....on an ecological basis, this pine bar­ rens illustrates, in superlative fashion, all characteristic features of pine barren ecosystems. It is by far the best example I have seen of the boreal variant.” Based on this report, and on other pine barrens research conducted by the Conservancy and Maine Natural Her­ itage Program, the Maine Chapter land protection staff proceeded with negoti­ ations to protect this outstanding nat­ ural area. Within six months, the Above: pitch pine bark detail; Conservancy had obtained an option to left: Waterboro Barrens contains purchase 1,100 acres of the Waterboro frontage on the Little Ossipee River, Barrens for $825,000, an acquisition Pine Springs Lake, Harvey Mill that will protect a significant portion of Stream, and Henderson Brook. this prime natural community.

Maine Legacy, August 1990-7 Nature Qonservancy

Maine Legacy

Published six times yearly by the Maine Chap­ ter of The Nature Conservancy, 122 Main Street, P.O. Box 338, Topsham, Maine 04086; telephone (207) 729-5181. Submissions of arti­ cles, illustrations and photographs are wel­ come. Subscriptions to this newsletter are available to members. Membership dues are as follows: Life, $1,000 (one-time); Acom, $100; Suport- ing, $50; Contributing, $35; Family, $25; Sub­ scribing, $15. More than 13,000 households currently suport the Conservancy’s work in Population declines of the pine barrens buck moth (Hemileuca maia) serve as a strong Maine. indicator of what is happening to its special habitat. Buck moths always have been rare TRUSTEES because they depend on plants found only in pine barrens-dwarf oaks that provide the Officers: Carol A. Wishcamper, Chair, caterpillars’ only food. Today, more than half of the Northeast’s pine barrens have been Freeport; Marilyn Moss Rockefeller, Vice-chair, Camden; William W. Alcorn, lost to development, along with significant numbers of this magnificent insect. Vice-chair, Biddeford; Charles J. Micoleau, Treasurer, Portland; Donald F. Mairs, Secretary, Belgrade. Trustees: Kenneth S. Axelson, Rockland; Michael W. Aube, Bangor; William D. Blair, Jr., Vinolhaven; Weston Bonney, Portland; George W. Cochrane 111, West Southport; Jane Holt de Frees, Rumford; Jean M. Deighan, Bangor, Elizabeth Donnan, Northeast Harbor; Horace A. Hildreth, Jr., Portland; Scott F. Hutchinson, Cumberland Foreside; John Lincoln, South Freeport; Dr. Ray B. Owen, Jr., Orono; Robert you’ll love MAINE FOREVER J. Piampiano, Portland; Dr. Ralph H. Robins, York; Maurine P. Rothschild, Dark Harbor; he second edition of Maine Forever, a Guide to the Dr. C. Tattersail Smith, South Berwick. Nature Conservancy Preserves in Maine, is a completely Charter Honorary Trustee: Edward T T. Richardson, Jr., South Portland. revised and expanded version, with information on more than 60 preserves including a special section on access and directions. Indexed for quick STAFF Vice-president and Executive Director, reference and spiral-bound for convenience, this book can guide you to J. Mason Morfit; Associate Director, Kent many of Maine’s most beautiful spots and show you what to look for there. Wommack; Director of Science and Steward­ Price is $17.95 plus $2.00 shipping. For delivery in Maine, ship, Barbara St. John Vickery; Heritage Program Director, John Albright; Director of add 5% tax ($1.00). Please contact our office for more information. Land Protection, Jim Dow; Director of Development, William A. McCue; Director of Finance and Administration, Suzanne Non-profit Org. Drew; Associate Director of Science and U.S. Postage Stewardship, Julie Henderson; Communi­ PAID cations Coordinator, Johanna Thomas; Maine Chapter The Nature Conservancy Stewardship/ Protection Assistant, Kathleen The Nature Conservancy Maine Chapter Drew; Administrative Assistant, Jeanne P.O. Box 338, Topsham, ME 04086 Desjardines; Membership Secretary, Barbara Clark; Administrative Assistant, Development, Joan Acord; Secretary, Donna Poseno; Administrative Secretary/ Bookkeeper, Emeline 021 9294-4DC0 14-9202 Fickett. Maine State Library State House Sta #64 Augusta, ME 04333 Printed on Recycled Paper

8-Maine Legacy, August J 990