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Bureau of Parks and Lands
[ [link removed] ]
June 2024

In this Issue:

* Director?s Note: Managing Forests for the Future [ #link_1 ]
* Welcome Ashlee Boughton, New Forester with Northern Region Public Lands [ #link_2 ]
* Talking Brook Public Land - A Lasting Legacy [ #link_14 ]
* Maine Residents Day is Sunday, June 16 [ #link_3 ]
* June Programs [ #link_5 ]
* Love Maine Trails Month Starts on National Trails Day! [ #link_4 ]
* ATV Trails are Closed at Mount Blue State Park [ #link_8 ]
* Volunteer Along the Allagash Wilderness Waterway this Summer [ #link_7 ]
* News from the Wild Side - Plovers and Vernal Pools [ #link_13 ]
* Maine Natural Areas Program Launches Marsh Migration Model to Address Sea Level Rise [ #link_12 ]
* Light Pollution as a Driver of Insect Declines... Monarchs, Fireflies, and Nighttime Pollinators [ #link_10 ]
* Don't Invite These Pests to the Plant Sale or Camp! - Winter Moth & Jumping Worms [ #link_11 ]
* Fire Permits, Fire Safety & Firewood Savvy: Don't Move Firewood - Buy It Where You Burn It! [ #link_9 ]
* The Northern Lights - Photos from the Parks [ #link_6 ]

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Director?s Note: Managing Forests for the Future

Andy Cutko with an old growth White Pine on Gero Island.

Andy Cutko with an old growth White Pine on Gero Island.

Maine?s 630,000 acres of Public Lands include some of the state?s most iconic, scenic, and ecologically important natural assets ?-places like Tumbledown Mountain, the Mahoosuc Range, the Great Heath, and Cutler Coast, to name just a few. Most Public Land visitors are unaware that funding to steward these lands is provided almost entirely through sustainable forest management. BPL harvests more than 100,000 cords of wood each year, and our lands are third-party certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and Forest Stewardship Council.

Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands foresters Nick McDougal and Stephen Richardson at Kennebec Highlands.

BPL foresters Nick McDougal and Stephen Richardson at Kennebec Highlands

I recently joined a few well-seasoned BPL foresters to tour ongoing and planned harvests at the Bigelow Preserve and Kennebec Highlands, and I joined Maine Forest Service colleagues at a field meeting of state land foresters from across the Northeast. In an era of unstable timber markets, a limited logging workforce, and highly variable weather associated with a changing climate, I?m always impressed with the thoughtfulness and creativity of our foresters. We generate revenue, yes, but financial considerations almost always take a back seat to wildlife habitat, disease resistance, climate adaptation and resilience, and visual impact. Most often, the discussion focuses on how we can improve the forest so that our successors will find a healthy, productive, and diverse forest to manage. It?s a big responsibility, and I couldn?t ask for a better team to implement it.

~ Andy Cutko, Director, Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands

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Welcome Ashlee Boughton, New Forester with Northern Region Public Lands

Ashlee Boughton, new Forester with Northern Region Public Lands.

The Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands is pleased to welcome Ashlee Boughton as a Forester within the Northern Region Public Lands. Ashlee will join a team that ensures sustainable forest management on Maine's Public Reserved Lands.

Ashlee grew up in the Catskill Mountains of New York. It was there that her deep passion for the environment and appreciation of the diverse use of forest resources was cultivated from an early age. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation and a Masters of Forestry from the State University of New York. Ashlee most recently worked with Seven Islands Land Company in Ashland as an Operations Forester and brings a wealth of technical skills and knowledge to the Public Lands team. She is looking forward to contributing to the sustainable management, protection, and enhancement of Maine Public Lands for generations to come, and to continue her lifelong passion for forests, and to learning and growing as a forestry professional.

In her spare time, Ashlee enjoys hunting, fishing, backcountry canoe trips, and hiking with her dog, Tsuga.?

Welcome to the team Ashlee!

~ Jacob Guimond, Northern Region Lands Manager

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Talking Brook Public Land - A Lasting Legacy

Big Falls at Talking Brook Public Land. Photo courtesy of the Trust for Public Land.

At this season, Talking Brook Public Land announces itself before a visitor even reaches the trailhead, with a roar of rushing water from spring rains.

On one such morning, the first bright weekend in a while, walkers Cheyenne and Riese paused to chat with a local. They were out for fresh air and some sunshine at last. Why here? ?It?s quiet and it?s close to home,? said Cheyenne, an Auburn resident. She wanted to introduce her friend to the trails and had picked a route following the Talking Brook stream.

Did they know about the Bureau of Parks and Lands? recent acquisition of the parcels or the land?s back story? No ? nor did other visitors encountered on several late winter and early spring visits. Continue reading [ [link removed] ] for photos, a video and the rest of the Joanne Cole's article about Talking Brook Public Land on NGXchange.org.

~ Article by Joanne Cole on NGXchange.org

~ Photo above of Big Falls at Talking Brook courtesy of the Trust For Public Land.

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Maine Residents Day is Sunday, June 16

Maine Resident's Day - June 16, 2024 - flyer.

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Swim area at Lake St. George State Park.

All Maine residents receive free day-use admission to Maine State Parks and Historic Sites*** from 9:00 a.m. to closing on Maine Residents Day, June 16, 2024.
**Please Note:*


* No rain date available; day-use only.
* Free admission does not apply to: Acadia National Park, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, Baxter State Park, Peacock Beach, the Maine Wildlife Park, Scarborough Beach State Park, Swan Island, the Penobscot River Corridor, or the Penobscot Narrows Observatory in Prospect, though admission to Fort Knox Historic Site will be free that day.

*Where will your adventure begin?*


* Outdoors in Maine guide [ [link removed] ]?to Maine State Parks, Historic Sites and the Public Lands.
* Parks & Lands Finder [ [link removed] ]?to search by location, region, activities and facilities.


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June Programs

*Bradbury Mt. State Park, Pownal*


* June 1: National Trails Day Hike with the Park Manager [ [link removed] ]
* June 8: Forests of Lilliput - A natural history of little things [ [link removed] ]
* June 15: Fronds and Fiddleheads - Ecology & identification of ferns [ [link removed] ]
* June 29: EnLichenment - Lookin' for lichens [ [link removed] ]

*Camden Hills State Park, Camden*


* June 8: Sky Tour-Stargazing & Evening Fliers [ [link removed] ]
* June 22: The Moon and Evening Fliers [ [link removed] ]

*Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site, New Harbor*


* June 16, 2024 :?The Piscataqua Rangers Jr. Fife & Drum Corps [ [link removed] ]

*Holbrook Island Sanctuary State Park, Brooksville*


* June 22: Edible & Medicinal Plant Walk with author Tom Seymour [ [link removed] ]
* June 25: Holbrook Island Plant Walk Led by the Wilson Museum [ [link removed] ]?

*Reid State Park, Georgetown*


* June 7: Seashells of Maine [ [link removed] ]
* June 14: Shorebirds of Reid State Park [ [link removed] ]
* June 21: Full Moon Exploration-Bats & Owls [ [link removed] ]
* June 28: Tidepools with the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust at Reid State Park [ [link removed] ]

*Wolfe's Neck Woods, Freeport*


* June 1: Wildflower Walk [ [link removed] ]
* June 2: Osprey Watch [ [link removed] ]
* June 8 Stroll with the Ranger [ [link removed] ]
* June 9: Osprey Watch [ [link removed] ]
* June 15: In the Pines [ [link removed] ]

Additional program listings are on the Event Finder [ [link removed] ].

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Love Maine Trails Month Starts on National Trails Day!

Love Maine Trails Month graphic by the Maine Trails Coalition. [ [link removed] ]

Saturday, June 1 through Sunday, June 30 is Love Maine Trails Month 2024!

The third annual Love Maine Trails Month [ [link removed] ] will be taking place from Saturday, June 1st through Sunday, June 30th, 2024 at locations across Maine.

*Love Maine Trails Month (LMTM) is a month of statewide events bringing people and organizations together to care for Maine?s trails.* LMTM brings visibility to the substantial resources and effort required to maintain Maine?s beloved trails. Continue reading at LMTM [ [link removed] ].

*Participate in Two Ways:*


* *Volunteer* for a work day location listed on Maine Trail Finder. [ [link removed] ]
* Host a trail work day at your organization
To host a LMTM work day visit the host page on Maine Trail Finder [ [link removed] ].
Organizations who participate and submit the required reports may be selected to receive a $1,000 award.

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ATV Trails are Closed at Mount Blue State Park

Mount Blue seen from Webb Lake.

The ATV trails at Mount Blue State Park [ [link removed] ] will not be open this season and will be closed indefinitely. Unfortunately, the trails have taken heavy damage, and they have been deemed unsafe for riding. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. For any questions, please call us at Mount Blue State Park: 207-585-2347. FMI: statewide ATV and multi-use trails. [ [link removed] ]

~ Casey Smedberg, Manager, Mount Blue State Park



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Volunteer Along the Allagash Wilderness Waterway this Summer

Waterway Work Trips in the Allagash with the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.

Join a Waterway Work Trip with Northern Foest Canoe Trail!

The Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) has scheduled three volunteer work trips during June and July in the Allagash Wilderness Waterway this summer. These are great opportunities to meet people with similar interests and help complete meaningful projects along the Waterway. Planned for the Scofield Cove (June 20-23), Scofield Point (July 4-7), and Jaws campsites on Churchill Lake (July 18-21), the trips begin Thursday evening and continue through Sunday morning. All meals are included, and there will be time for paddling, exploration and relaxation. Space is limited. Learn more and sign-up [ [link removed] ].

[ [link removed] ]~ Noah Pollock, Stewardship Director, Northern Forest Canoe Trail
and Mark Deroche, Superintendent, Allagash Wilderness Waterway

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News from the Wild Side - Plovers and Vernal Pools

Piping plover and chick. Image by Amada Reed and courtesy of Maine Audubon.

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A protect plover nesting habitat sign posted at plover habitat at a Maine State Park beach.

*Piping plovers* have arrived from their overwintering grounds and are busy scraping, laying eggs, and incubating. On May 24, the nesting pair count was three pairs at Scarborough Beach State Park, three pairs at Crescent Beach, seven pairs at Popham Beach, and three pairs at Reid (one at Mile Beach, two at Half Mile). On May 29 two chicks hatched out. This is only the fourth nest to hatch statewide this year so it is pretty exciting!? State Park beaches experienced significant changes in sand dunes during winter storms. This impacted the area available for nesting piping plovers. Efforts are underway at Popham and Crescent beaches to capture sand and restore some of these sand dune areas. We?re thankful for our partners at Maine Audubon, who, through an agreement with IF&W, are monitoring these beaches along with more than 20 others across the coastline. You can do your part by staying off the dunes, away from birds foraging on and near the beach, and minding all signs and fencing.



Vernal pool image by Sarah Spencer, Wildlife Biologist, Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

*Vernal pools* came alive throughout the state in late April and early May, stimulated by the relatively warm rainy nights, which trigger amphibians to wake from their winter slumber under the leaf litter and other rotting material on the forest floor and head to their breeding grounds. For wood frogs, spotted salamanders, and blue-spotted salamanders, this means heading for a vernal pool to find others and reproduce. In southern Maine, this has been happening since early April. For our friends in northern Maine, this ramped up in May. If you?re interested in learning more about vernal pools and their inhabitants, check out Of Pools and People Vernal Pools [ [link removed]. ].?



Wood frog and an egg mass at a vernal pool.

A wood frog and an egg mass at a woodland vernal pool.

The?*broad-winged hawks*?have once again taken up residence in my backyard, plucking twigs and bark from nearby trees to build their nest in the red maple they?ve chosen this year.?*Peregrine falcons*?have started nesting at several State Park and Public Land locations across the state. By now, most?*waterfowl*?have laid eggs and are in a three-week plus incubation period before the hatchlings will appear in late May or early June. Some species, like wood duck, common goldeneye, and hooded merganser, nest in tree cavities or artificial boxes. Other species, like mallards, black ducks, and ring-necked ducks, will nest on the ground.

In June and July, I?ll take to the water as the sun is rising to count waterfowl and their offspring at several indicator sites throughout the state. Look for my update in August.

~ Sarah Spencer, Wildlife Biologist, Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

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Maine Natural Areas Program Launches Marsh Migration Model to Address Sea Level Rise

Illustration of tidal marsh migration due to sea level rise courtesy of the Maine Natural Areas Program.

The?Maine Natural Areas Program (MNAP) [ [link removed] ]?within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) has introduced an updated?marsh migration model [ [link removed] ] and a comprehensive report. This initiative aims to help communities and land managers identify critical areas necessary for the inland migration of tidal marshes anticipated under projected sea level rise scenarios. Continue reading [ [link removed] ].

~ Courtesy posting of a MNAP press release.

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Light Pollution as a Driver of Insect Declines... Monarchs, Fireflies, and Nighttime Pollinators

Luna Moth and a Promethea Silk Moth.

Top: Luna Moth. Bottom: Promethea Silk Moth. Photos by Tim Healy and Jocelyn Hubbell.

What if all the Monarch butterflies and Luna Moths were gone? What if there were no more fireflies? Would you care? Would you take a few simple energy-saving steps to help them survive?

Insect populations, such as butterflies, fireflies, and a myriad of others around the world appear to be declining rapidly. But why? While habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change all have something to do with it, light pollution is another often overlooked bringer of the insect apocalypse. Light pollution interferes with the development, dispersal, foraging, and reproduction of diverse insect taxa, including nocturnal pollinators and charismatic flagship species such as fireflies. Unlike other anthropogenic threats, light pollution can be cheaply, easily, and instantly eliminated ? yet recent innovations in lighting technology have only made the problem worse. Learn more and what you can do by viewing this Maine Entomological Society presentation by Avalon Owen [ [link removed] ].

Peterson Guide to Moths and a Firefly Guide by Lynn Frierson Faust.

The Peterson Field Guide to Moths of Northeastern North America and Fireflies, Glow-worms, and Lightning Bugs by Lynn Frierson Faust.

*What can you do?*


* Install motion-sensor lights when lights are needed. Don't fear the dark, look to the stars, learn about fireflies [ [link removed] ] and evening pollinators.
* Reduce the number of lights that you have outdoors, and use curtains at night to limit interior light reaching the outdoors. Remove any unnecessary lights. If the light is only for aesthetics it is unnecessary.
* Change the color of the light. Switch to a warm light - such a amber, orange, or red. (Blue light and UV is most damaging to human health and nature.) NOTE: Red lights are best, as amber and orange lights disrupt fireflies' natural habits. Red lights are best for humans too - they do not disrupt our night vision.
* Dim the lights you must use. How much light do you really need?
* Install shielded lights so that the light is directed downward and to specific areas instead of upward.
* Learn more about responsible outdoor lighting [ [link removed] ]?at Dark Sky International.

~ Jocelyn Hubbell, Interpretive Specialist/Naturalist, BPL

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Don't Invite These Pests to the Plant Sale or Camp! - Winter Moth & Jumping Worms

If you?re one who can?t wait to get into the dirt with spring weather, we can relate! As you get ready to plant, please keep in mind that many pests and pathogens can move with freshly dug and potted plants. Use caution when moving plants with associated soil. Below, we highlight two species that threaten the health of Maine?s forests and move readily in soil and other landscape material, such as mulch.

Winter moth image showing larva, adult male, and adult female.
Winter Moth

Winter moth ("Operphtera brumata") was introduced into North America from Europe. It was first recorded in Nova Scotia in the 1930s, appeared in eastern Massachusetts in the early 2000s, has since spread into western Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and is now in coastal Maine from Kittery to Lubec. The larvae of winter moth defoliate deciduous trees and shrubs in early spring. Trees heavily defoliated by winter moth for three or more years can exhibit branch dieback and mortality. The pattern of winter moth defoliation and damage in Maine suggests that humans are largely responsible for its introduction and spread in Maine. It is likely that they moved with landscaping material.

Larvae hatch in April from eggs laid during the winter on the trunks of host trees. The caterpillars crawl up the trees and burrow into both leaf and flower buds, feeding on the expanding buds and foliage. The larvae also produce silk that they use to ?balloon? to new locations. Winter moth larvae are light green to brownish-green inchworms with longitudinal white stripes on each side of the body and are one half inch long when full-grown. Winter moth caterpillars are active from April through early June.?



Winter moth cocoons look like small clods of soil.

Once mature, larvae come down out of the trees on silk threads to pupate in the soil, not only under the trees, but also in the surrounding area. *The larvae form small earthen cocoons that resemble clods of dirt *(see photo). They stay in these cocoons from June to November. During this time is the greatest risk of transporting winter moth to other areas. However, there is a risk of moving eggs and caterpillars other times of the year if you move trees and shrubs from infested areas.

Winter moth caterpillars feed on the leaves of many deciduous trees and shrubs in Maine. Preferred hosts include oak, maple, apple, elm, ash, crabapple, cherry, and blueberry, but the larvae will also feed on many other plants.

Learn more about Winter Moth and other invasive forest pests [ [link removed] ].



Map of known and likely occurrences of Winter Moth in Maine.

Map of known and likely occurrances of Winter Moth in Maine.

Jumping Worms

Jumping worms ("Amynthas spp.") are native to Korea and Japan and are now found in the United States from Maine to South Carolina and west to Wisconsin. Jumping worms were first collected from a Maine greenhouse in 1952, though an established population of this active and damaging pest was not discovered here until about 2014 when two populations were discovered in Augusta (one at the Viles Arboretum) and two populations were found in Portland. *_Jumping worms are now considered to be widespread in Maine and are found in 13 of the 16 counties._*

Learn more about Jumping Worms [ [link removed] ].

Photo of a Jumping Worm compared to a nightcrawler.

A Jumping Worm compared to a European Nightcrawler.

~ Courtesy posting of a Maine Forest Service Bulletin.

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Fire Permits, Fire Safety & Firewood Savvy: Don't Move Firewood - Buy It Where You Burn It!

New Open Fire Law in Maine poster. [ [link removed] ]

Know When You Need a Fire Permit

*Recreational Campfires* are small outdoor fires that are no larger than 3x3-feet in height and diameter and do not require a burn permit.? However, a recreational campfire may not be built during a red flag warning.?

*Burn Permit-Required Fires* are large than 3x3-feet in height and diameter and may not be burned during red flag warnings regardless of the permit date.


* Permits are free and are available online at www.maineburnpermit.com [ [link removed] ]

*Please Remember - *All fires must be attended at all times and completely extinguished before they are left.

Reduce Wildfire in Your Community

Look into the Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program to see if your community or Tribe is eligible. And read this information about Fire Adapted Communities [ [link removed] ].

*FMI:* Contact the Maine Forest Service Rangers at:


* (207) 287-4989
* [email protected]

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Don't Move Firewood poster.

What's in your firewood? Do not move firewood into or around Maine.

Firewood - Buy It Where You Burn It! - to Protect Maine's Forests

Please do not give insects a lift - do not move firewood [ [link removed] ] into or within Maine. Buy local and buy it where you burn it. Say no to out-of-state firewood! The risks of unknowingly transporting pests like Emerald Ash Borer [ [link removed] ] are too great.?


* Tips on finding safe firewood and proper disposal of infected wood [ [link removed] ].
* View and learn about the?invasive threats to Maine's Forests [ [link removed] ].

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The Northern Lights - Photos from the Parks

We hope that wherever you were on Friday, May 10, 2024 that you were able to see the Northern Lights. Here for your enjoyment are photos taken by Maine State Park Managers Chris Main at Range Pond, Haylee Parsons at Reid, and Brian Fay at Lily Bay State Park.

The Northern Lights as seen from Range Pond on Friday, May 10, 2024. Photo courtesy of Park Manager Chris Main.

The Northern Lights as seen from Range Pond State Park at 10:00 PM. Photo by Park Manager Chris Main.

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The Northern Lights as seen from Reid State Park on May 10. Photo by Haylee Parsons, Park Manager.

The Northern Lights as seen from Reid State Park. Photo by Park Manager Haylee Parsons.

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The Northern Lights over Reid State Park and reflecting off water. Photo by Park Manager Haylee Parsons.

The Northern Lights over Reid State Park and reflecting off water. Photo by Haylee Parsons.

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The Northern Lights over Reid State Park. Photo by Park Manager Haley Parsons.

The Northern Lights over Reid State Park. Photo by Park Manager Haylee Parsons.

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The Northern Lights over Lily Bay State Park. Photo by Park Manager Brian Fay.

The Northern Lights over Lily Bay State Park. Photo by Park Manager Brian Fay.

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The Northern Lights over Lily Bay State Park with the Moon shining through. Photo by Park Manager Brian Fay.

The Northern Lights over Lily Bay State Park with the Moon Shining through. Photo by Park Manager Brian Fay.

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The Northern Lights over Lily Bay State Park in a great burst of colors. Photo by Park Manager Brian Fay.

The Northern Lights over Lily Bay State Park. Photo by Park Manager Brian Fay.

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The Northern Lights over Lily Bay State Park and reflecting on Moosehead Lake. Photo by Park Manager Brian Fay.

The Northern Lights over Lily Bay State Park and reflecting on Moosehead Lake. Photo by Park Manager Brian Fay.

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www.ParksAndLands.com [ [link removed] ]

Send article suggestions or newsletter comments to?Jocelyn Hubbell <[email protected]>, Interpretive Specialist, webmaster, and newsletter editor for the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.

Read back issues of the newsletter [ [link removed] ].




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