Popularity of state’s boat sticker plan sinking fast

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Boaters complain that their rights to use Maine’s lakes and ponds should not be taken away because of a single plant or fish.

The controversial invasive aquatic plants boat sticker may overshadow the state’s plans for educating the public about troublesome species at a series of meetings this week.

The state’s plan suggests that the $10 stickers, which are now mandatory for all boats with motors used in fresh water, ought to be required for boats that are used in tidal rivers to reduce the risk of spreading any number of species.

And some environmental activists have proposed even stronger requirements, such as making the stickers mandatory on canoes and kayaks in order to raise more funds for aquatic species control programs.

Sportsmen have complained, however, that the stickers are too pricey and that boat owners are being unfairly singled out and forced to pay for a program that benefits the population as a whole.

Technically, milfoil fragments could be transferred on any object they encounter – including boat motors, but also bathing suits, paddles or shoes.

Because of these complaints, the Sportsmen’s Alliance of Maine, the state’s largest hunting and fishing lobby, will likely propose a new law that would repeal the sticker program when the legislative session begins in January.

The alliance has also publicized its intention to fight the state’s plan to control additional infestations by closing boat launches on waters that already contain invasive aquatic species – essentially placing a quarantine on those lakes and ponds.

Many biologists support the idea, saying that quarantine is the only way to ensure that invasive species, particularly plants, do not spread.

Boaters complain that their rights to use Maine’s lakes and ponds should not be taken away because of a single plant or fish.

In fact, several invasive species, such as smallmouth and largemouth bass, are very popular with sportsmen, and many invasive plants, like milfoil, can create ideal habitat for these warm-water game fish.

What’s best for Maine’s lakes is anything but clear, so state regulators are asking residents for their thoughts.

Locally, the issues will be discussed at 6:30 p.m., Monday Aug. 12 at the Presque Isle Fish and Game Club and Wednesday, Aug. 14, at the Penobscot County Conservation Association office in Brewer.

Geese be Gone

Farmers, golf course owners and other property owners who consider the annual arrival of Canada geese a nuisance are on their own.

The State Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife announced recently that the state will not institute a Canada goose control program.

The migratory species is protected by a number of federal laws, making any effort by the state to institute control measures complicated. Landowners who wish to remove Canada geese from their property outside the regular hunting season must contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Free Trees

The National Arbor Day Foundation has announced that ten free blue spruce saplings will be sent to each person who joins the group during August 2002. The six- to 12-inch trees are guaranteed to grow, said foundation president John Rosenow.

Blue spruce was selected for the campaign because of its popularity among homeowners.

To join the foundation and receive the free trees, send $10 to Ten Blue Spruces, National Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE 68410 by August 31, 2002. New members may also join online at www.arborday.org.

Outdoor Sporting Heritage

The Rangeley Region Guides and Sportsmen’s Association will hold its 6th annual outdoor sporting heritage celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2002.

Scheduled events include black powder shooting, archery, a fly casting contest, chain-saw carving, moose calling, canoe races and a tour of the nearby Atlantic salmon hatchery.

Nomad Steward, “The Wandering Seedsman,” will tell stories of the American frontier.

Events will take place at the group’s clubhouse, located on Old Skidway Road in Oquissoc.

For more information contact the Chamber of Commerce at 864-5571, or Don Palmer at 8645647.

To submit an item for publication in the Outdoor Notebook, send an e-mail to medgecomb@bangordailynews.net, fax to 941-9476 or mail information to Outdoor notebook, Bangor Daily News. P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, Maine, 04402-1329.