Biologist to discuss Penobscot salmon fishing

Anglers interested in the proposed return of salmon fishing to the Penobscot River may want to check out an upcoming presentation in Brewer.

Joan Trial, the senior biologist of the Maine Atlantic Salmon Commission, will speak on Wednesday at the regular monthly dinner meeting of the Penobscot Fly Fishers.

Trial’s talk is titled “Penobscot River Atlantic Salmon Fishing: Risk and Opportunity 2006.”

The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the Coach House Restaurant in Brewer, and is open to the public.

The Maine Atlantic Salmon Commission is considering a limited fall fishery for salmon on the Penobscot. The river, as well as the rest of the state’s Atlantic salmon rivers, has been closed to fishing since 1999.

Wildlife park hosting event

A season-long series of wildlife exhibits will kick off in Gray on May 6 as the Maine Wildlife Park welcomes Dave Sparks, owner of the local Sparks Ark company.

Sparks will set up and staff an informative exhibit about wild animal emergencies and nuisance wildlife relocation.

Sparks is a licensed animal damage control agent and among the professionals to call when you experience a problem with wildlife.

Sparks makes every effort to live trap nuisance wildlife and relocate it to more appropriate habitat far from humans. He can also give tips, tricks and ways to discourage wildlife that may be a nuisance to your gardens, home and buildings.

The exhibit will likely include a few live critters for visitors to check out.

The series of wildlife exhibits and demonstrations will run on consecutive weekends in May, June, July and August and are sponsored by the Friends of the Maine Wildlife Park.

Presenters will set up exhibits and demonstrations from about 11 a.m. until about 2 p.m. on most Saturdays and offer an interactive experience for park visitors.

The Maine Wildlife Park is located on Route 26 in Gray. It is open daily through Nov. 11 from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Visitors must leave the premises by 6 p.m.

Admission to the park is free for those under 3, $3.25 for those age 5-12, $5 for adults and $4 for seniors.

For more information call the park at 657-4977 or check the Web site at www.mainewildlifepark.com.