‘Flotilla on Aroostook’ seeking participants for June 3 event

Water enthusiasts of all ages are encouraged to participate in the “Flotilla on the Aroostook,” which will be held on June 3.

The purpose of the flotilla is to rally as many men, women and children as possible to come out on the water for a day and experience what organizers call “one of the best-kept secrets in all of northern Maine.”

To participate, organize your own paddling or fishing party and plan an itinerary that is suitable for your group.

At the end of the day everyone is invited to land their kayak, canoe or boat at the public boat landing in Fort Fairfield between 4 and 6 p.m. for a barbecue served by the Fort Fairfield Fish and Game Club.

Those interested in renting a canoe or kayak for the day can do so by calling Kayak Country at least two days in advance at 540-6573 or 472-0700.

For more information on the flotilla, call Tom Towle at the Fort Fairfield Parks and Recreation Department at 472-3882.

Moose on the loose

With more motorists on the road for the holiday weekend, it’s important for drivers to be award that moose are on the move in June, and statistics show there are more moose-vehicle crashes in June than any other month of the year.

According to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, motorists must remain alert and watch for moose.

The DIF&W says moose travel to roadways for several reasons. After a long winter of eating poor-quality food, moose crave the salt that is found along the sides of roads. The sides of roads are also the first area to green up in the spring, offering tender plant shoots as another source of food. Yearling moose – last year’s calves – have recently been forced away by their mothers as the mothers prepare to give birth to this year’s calves, and the young moose often travel more and find themselves around roads.

The number of crashes peaks between 7 p.m. and midnight, and can occur anywhere in the state.

The DIF&W suggests the following methods of reducing the chance of being involved in a moose-vehicle crash:

. Reduce speed after dark.

. Use high beams when appropriate.

. Search the roadway ahead to identify potential problems.

To submit an item for publication in the Outdoor Notebook, send e-mail to jholyoke@bangordailynews.net, fax to 990-8092 or mail information to Outdoor Notebook, Bangor Daily News, PO Box 1329, Bangor, Maine, 04402-1329.