Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to Coordinate Public Survey and Online Forum on Moose Management
 Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) has partnered with Responsive Management and is inviting residents to weigh in with their opinions on moose management in the state. Beginning July 22nd, the agency will be coordinating a two-phase research study that includes a scientific survey of randomly selected Maine residents and an online Town Hall forum open for input from all residents. Mainers are encouraged to contribute input to the online forum and to participate in the survey, if contacted to do so by Responsive Management.
The goal of the study is to better understand opinions on moose management and hunting season structure. Specifically, we hope to gain insight into interactions among hunters and other people participating in outdoor recreational activities during the fall.
The dedicated Town Hall forum website will provide an opportunity for all residents to voice their opinions on moose management. Beginning July 22, residents will be able to access the Town Hall forum website to submit comments and feedback.
The forum website, www.MaineMoose.org, will remain active until August 10, after which comments will be reviewed and analyzed. Residents are encouraged to log onto the website before August 10 to submit responses to specific questions and general feedback on moose management issues in Maine.
The forum will include several broad questions about moose management to prompt comments and conversation, with additional questions added to follow up on specific topics. For this reason, residents are encouraged to check back at the forum for updates and new questions.
MDIFW has contracted with the research firm Responsive Management to conduct the study. Responsive Management specializes in attitudes toward natural resource and outdoor recreation issues and has conducted several projects for MDIFW in the past. Responsive Management will implement the survey of Maine residents and administer the online Town Hall forum.
In conjunction with the Town hall forum, the scientific survey of Maine residents will also begin in the coming weeks. Residents who are randomly selected to participate in the survey are encouraged to do so. Residents who are not selected to participate in the survey are encouraged to leave comments and input on the Town Hall forum website. All feedback is greatly appreciated and will help MDIFW to better manage moose in Maine.
We look forward to hearing from you regarding moose management in Maine!
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