Director's Report
| Keith Aucoin 423 Mansion Rd. Hollis, ME 04042 (207) 608-2074 |
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2007 Report
Every year new anglers are introduced to the sport of Bass fishing making it a popular and more known activity in the State of Maine. It is our job to create a respected atmosphere amongst our neighbors including the fish & wildlife staff and other people who live in this state. It is my goal to improve that relationship through tasks that include: lake clean-ups, habitat improvement, improving public access facilities and erosion control to name a few. Habitat improvement is the main focus for BASS this year, which leaves us with little to work on, for the state doesn’t allow structure to be put into or pulled out of inland waters. However, invasive species ranging from fish to vegetation to waterfowl tend to expand their range throughout delicate watersheds. This means that we should be able to work around this habitat focus, for invasive species alter native habitats and can dominate fragile aquatic ecosystems.
While attending Saint Joseph’s College, I did a lot of research on Northern Pike and also performed a research project on Variable-leaf Milfoil in Sebago Lake. This research made new faces aware of the problem, which is the answer (public awareness) to keeping species from spreading. More brochures, signs at public access areas and meetings need to be spread throughout the state in order to leave no one behind on the education of this subject. With our help, (i.e. the Maranacook Lake boat washing station), this invasive problem can be slowed down.
Grant funding will be provided by BASS, in 2007, to aid in appropriate conservation projects. This fall the Maine Black Bear Bass Caster / Kennebec Valley Bass clubs plan on using those funds through a grant proposed for the Pleasant Pond watershed enhancement project. If passed this grant money will help to improve the public access as well as stabilize the eroded fishing bank.
I urge you to take a look at the Maine Bass Federation Web site at www.mebass.com, and view conservation strategies as well as conservation reports. This will keep you informed on previous effective weigh-in methods, what invasive's to look out for and newly updated projects. I will post major projects throughout the year and provide information on help needed. For example, many lake associations have annual lake clean-ups, and with our help more can be done to improve waste management as well as the landowner / fisher(wo)men relationship.
I realize that I’m stepping in some big shoes as John Blais has done a great job, and should be recognized for the work he has performed to make conservation an important part of the federation. As conservation director I’ll use his help, yours, and outside sources to make 2007 a productive year.
I believe that effective conservation is the key to balancing a pure ecosystem, and this federation has the ability to preserve those characteristics that support Maine’s successful Bass fishery.
Sincerely,
Keith Aucoin - Conservation Director Maine B.A.S.S. Federation Nation