AUGUSTA – Commissioner Roland “Danny” Martin announced today that Dr. Kenneth Elowe will leave the position of Director of the Bureau of Resource Management on July 30, 2010.

Dr. Elowe, a 22-year employee of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, has accepted a position as Assistant Regional Director of Science Applications at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Region 5 headquarters, based in Hadley, Mass.

“Today, I have accepted Ken’s resignation with regrets,” Commissioner Martin said. “Ken has served this Department and the citizens of Maine with distinction, by creating and implementing several programs that now are nationally recognized, including Beginning with Habitat, and by being an outstanding spokesman for the agency. He truly is a talented individual and will be missed by all of us.”

In his new role, Elowe will be responsible for providing leadership and direction in the development and execution of high-priority regional science activities, including those involving climate change, adaptive resources management, and landscape conservation, particularly Strategic Habitat Conservation.

Elowe was named Director of Resource Management in 1998, which serves as the lead fish and wildlife biologist for Maine, after 10 years in the Department. Previous positions included Director of the Wildlife Division, leader of the Mammals Research and Management Group, and project leader for the Bear and Furbearer Group. As bureau director, he manages 120 employees, a $14 million budget, and all projects and initiatives related to wildlife and freshwater fish management.

For more than 11 years, Elowe has served as the Department’s senior liaison, building solid relationships with fish and wildlife agencies in other states and on the federal level, as well as conservation and sporting groups, and businesses.

“Ken has been instrumental in working with a variety of Maine conservation and sporting organizations in an effort to secure permanently protected funding for MDIF&W for the future,” said Peter Bourque, Director of Fisheries Program Development. “By ensuring proper funding, the Department can continue its efforts to preserve Maine’s outdoor resources for future generations.”

During his tenure, Elowe has monitored the status of fish and wildlife resources throughout Maine; directed the development of effective management programs for all species; lead the strategy for conservation land acquisition; and worked with private landowners and timber companies to develop strategies to manage lands while maintaining wildlife habitat. Currently, MDIF&W and 11 companies have wildlife habitat management agreements regarding more than 500,000 acres of forested habitat.

In Maine, Elowe was one of the originators of the Beginning with Habitat program, which seeks to integrate the principles of landscape conservation into municipal comprehensive planning. Beginning with Habitat also serves as one of the two pillars for Maine’s Wildlife Action Plan.

“Ken has been, and continues to be, an enthusiastic advocate for Beginning with Habitat and landscape conservation, using every opportunity that arises in Maine and the northeastern states, within the Northeast Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, and within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to support and advance sound landscape conservation application,” said Mark Stadler, MDIF&W Director of Wildlife. “His goal? That 50 years from now, our grandchildren will also be able to enjoy abundant and healthy wildlife management populations and habitats.”

Throughout his career, Elowe has sought to advance the concepts contained in Beginning with Habitat as well as worked extensively on endangered species policy and conservation initiatives at state and national levels.

Last year, Elowe helped celebrate the delisting of the Bald Eagle from Maine’s Endangered and Threatened Species List, after a 30-year effort by MDIF&W biologists and other natural resource groups to restore the populations in Maine.

Elowe is a member or a leader in the following groups: Atlantic Flyway Council, Atlantic Coast Joint Venture, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Strategic Habitat Conservation Committees, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies; and North American Waterfowl Management Plan Revision Steering Committee; also a federal-state joint task force on federal aid policy.

A Waterboro man has caught a record-setting brook trout in York County, according to Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife regional fisheries biologists.

Patrick Coan of Waterboro landed the brook trout on January 8, 2010, while fishing at Mousam Lake.

The fish was weighed 9.02 pounds and was weighed on a certified scale at Limerick Supermarket. The record was confirmed by regional fisheries biologists based in IF&W’s Gray Regional Office.

Coan’s record-setting brook trout was a product of an IF&W hatchery, as evidenced by its fin clips. It is not known when this particular fish was stocked in Mousam Lake.

The previous state record was caught by James Foster of Howland on Big Black Pond in 1979. It weighed 8 pounds, 8 ounces

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Maine Sportsman newspaper, which is edited by avid outdoorsman and TV personality Harry Vanderweide, jointly announce new records. The publication has maintained the state record book for more than 30 years.

Tom Remington

AUGUSTA – Two Maine Warden Service sergeants were promoted to the rank of lieutenant during a brief ceremony today at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Kevin S. Adam of Dexter and Thomas D. Ward of Masardis were sworn in by Commissioner Roland “Danny” Martin. The oath was witnessed by MWS Colonel Joel Wilkinson and Major Gregory Sanborn.

“The people of Maine and the officers of the Maine Warden Service will be in good, safe hands because of the strong commitment to duty and solid work ethic held by Lt. Adam and Lt. Ward,” according to Commissioner Martin. “I congratulate them for their well-deserved promotions

Lt. Adam will supervise approximately 35 sergeants and game wardens in the Central Division, which encompasses Piscataquis and Somerset counties and portions of Hancock, Kennebec, Penobscot, Waldo and Washington counties, and is based in Greenville.

Lt. Ward will supervise approximately 35 sergeants and game wardens in the Northeastern Division, which encompasses Aroostook County and most of Washington County, and is based in Ashland.

“Lts. Adam and Ward are dedicated individuals who believe in the mission, vision and values of the Maine Warden Service,” said Col. Wilkinson. “We’re confident they’re going to do great things. When faced with making a tough decision, they’ll make the right decision for the public as a whole and the Maine Warden Service.”

Both will report to Major Sanborn, director of field operations, and join two other lieutenants in the ranks. Today’s promotions fill slots vacated by the retirements of Lt. Doug Tibbetts and Lt. Patrick Dorian, each who served in the Maine Warden Service for more than 37 years.

“Although the Maine Warden Service lost over 74 years of experience with the recent retirements, the promotion of Lts. Adam and Ward leaves the respective divisions with experienced leadership,” according to Major Sanborn. “I look forward to working with these lieutenants.”

Lt. Adam’s exemplary and distinguished career began in 1986 as Deputy Game Warden, and in 1992 he was named District Game Warden in the Dexter area. He was promoted to sergeant in 2007. In 2002, Lt. Adam received the distinction of “Warden of the Year.” He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in conservation law enforcement from Unity College. Lt. Adam also manages the organization’s search and rescue operations, and serves as liaison at the Maine Emergency Management Agency.

Lt. Adam and his wife, Bobbie Jean, have two daughters, Gabrielle and Isabella.

Lt. Ward’s exemplary and distinguished career began in 1985 as a Deputy Game Warden. From 1987-1996, he served the Daaquam, Rockwood and Greenville areas as a District Game Warden, and was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 1996. He received the distinction of “Warden of the Year” in 1994. Lt. Ward also manages Homeland Security operations, working closely with national and Canada security agencies on border issues. He holds an Associate of Science degree in forest management technology from the University of Maine and studied criminal justice at Southern Maine Technical College, Eastern Maine Technical College, and the University of Maine at Augusta.

Lt. Ward and his wife, Shari, have three sons, Isaac, Caleb and Amos. His father, Allyn, also attended the ceremony.

AUGUSTA – The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Maine Snowmobile Association (MSA) recently honored private, municipal and corporate landowners for their generosity in opening up their land to outdoor enthusiasts.

Fourteen individuals or entities received recognition at the annual Landowner Relations Awards Banquet on Tuesday, Oct. 20 in Augusta, which was sponsored by IF&W and hosted by MSA.

“More than 90 percent of Maine’s land is privately owned, and the generosity of landowners to allow access to hunters, anglers, snowmobilers and ATV riders, as well as other enthusiasts, is something to be applauded,” said Commissioner Roland “Danny” Martin of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. “We remind outdoor recreationalists to always ask first before going onto someone’s land. It’s the right thing to do.”

The IF&W Landowner Relations Program seeks to maintain and build on Maine’s unique heritage of public access to private land for recreation and sport use, and works to ensure that the relationship between private landowners and the public is one of respect and good judgment.

“Public access to private property is a privilege and not a right,” said Col. Joel Wilkinson of the Maine Warden Service. “Without the support and generosity of private landowners, the majority of outdoor users would not have places to enjoy a whole host of outdoor activities. Stewardship of their land needs to be practiced by all users, as it only takes one user’s lack of respect to close down access for all.”

The Department works closely with Robert Duplessie, the state’s Director of Recreational Access and Landowner Relations, other state agencies, clubs from the various user groups, and landowners to build strong partnerships and to proactively address the issues that arise.

“The annual awards banquet is a wonderful way to show appreciation to the many landowners who allow use of their lands for recreational opportunities and also assist local clubs with materials or other in-kind services to build trails,” according to Duplessie. “A new awards category this year — the Organized Land User Group — allowed landowners to recognize local clubs or organizations that have helped them in protecting the land in a cooperative way, and it received many nominations. This demonstrated that landowners are grateful for the respect given to them by outdoor recreationalists.”

This year’s honorees are:

Corporate:

* Katahdin Forest Management of Millinocket, nominated by the Jo Mary Riders Snowmobile Club;

* WT Gardner & Sons, Inc. of Lincoln, nominated by Quad Country Snowmobile Club;

Public Landowner:

* Town of Lakeville, nominated by Quad Country Snowmobile Club;

* City of Presque Isle, nominated by Star City ATV Club;

Conservation Landowner:

* Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust of Oquossoc, nominated by the Rangeley Region Guides and Sportsmen’s Association;

* Greater Lovell Land Trust, nominated by Kezar Trailbreakers Snowmobile Club;

Private Landowners (100+acres):

* Robert and Sonia Erskine of Dixmont, nominated by Dixmont Goldcrest Riders;

* Fred Flewelling of Crouseville, nominated by Washburn Trail Riders;

* Cecil Cross of Embden, nominated by Embden Travelers Snowmobile Club;

* A. Boyd and Rosalie Withee of Palmyra, nominated by Palmyra Snowmobile Club;

* Warren Foss of Weston, nominated by East Grand Snowmobile Club;

Organized Land User Group:

* Kennebec-Messalonskee Trails of Waterville, nominated by Central Maine Power Co.;

* Family Snowmobile Club of Bucksport, nominated by Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust;

* Maine Professional Guides Association, based in Augusta, nominated by North Maine Woods, Inc.

More than 500 nomination forms were distributed to various user groups, such as ATV, snowmobile, and fish and game clubs, and the nominations were reviewed by an awards committee that included representatives from the Maine Warden Service, the Maine Snowmobile Association, Maine ATV, and the state’s Landowner Relations Director.

To date, the IF&W Landowner Relations Program has recognized more than 80 landowners for their outstanding efforts in allowing their land to be used for public recreation.

AUGUSTA – The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has named Travis Barrett of Oakland at its Marketing and Promotions Representative.

“We are very fortunate to have someone with Travis’s knowledge about and love for Maine’s natural resources on our staff,” said Regis Tremblay, IF&W Director of Public Information and Education. “As the Outdoor Writer for the Kennebec Journal and the Waterville Morning Sentinel, Travis covered the work of IF&W biologists with a passion and sensitivity that is extraordinary. He comes to us already having many professional relationships with IF&W personnel, and understands the core mission and values of the Department.”

In the position, Mr. Barrett will promote the programs and initiatives of the Department through articles, videos and the Internet, and as a representative at trade shows and other events frequented by outdoor recreationalists who share a respect for Maine’s outdoors.

Mr. Barrett graduated from Notre Dame College in Manchester, N.H., in 1996 with a degree in English, after which he spent several years as a sports writer covering professional, collegiate and high school sports at newspapers in Rhode Island.

In 2004, Mr. Barrett returned to his native Maine as a copy editor in the sports department of the Central Maine Newspapers (the Kennebec Journal, based in Augusta, and the Waterville Morning Sentinel). Two years later, he became the outdoors writer at the newspapers.

An award-winning outdoors and motorsports reporter, Mr. Barrett served as editor of the independently produced website “Green-White-Checker,” a multimedia site covering auto racing in New England through stories, videos and photo galleries.

A native of Manchester, Maine, Mr. Barrett and his wife, Sara, live in Oakland with their children, Cooper and Samantha.

WINSLOW – Maine Warden Service Game Warden Jim Martin Jr. of Calais was recognized today as “Warden of the Year” for his honesty, consistency and strong work ethic during his 20-year career.

Maine Warden Service Col. Joel Wilkinson, Chief Game Warden, and Major Gregory Sanborn, Deputy Chief Game Warden, presented Warden Martin with the honor, and recognized others for exemplary service during the Maine Warden Service’s annual meeting today in Winslow.

“The significant achievements we honor speak volumes about the commitment, courage and core values of Maine game wardens,” said Col. Wilkinson. “These awards do not single out any warden as being the best warden in Maine, but rather honors individual wardens who represent the excellence of game wardens statewide. We take pride in our peers’ achievements, and their recognition is reflective of the agency’s entire work ethic.”

Added Col. Wilkinson, “In the face of recent developments relating to the state budget, it would be easy for all of us to let the current economic situation drive negativity and deflate the spirit towards our professional obligations. But I am confident that Maine Game Wardens will meet this challenges with the same determination, dedication and spirit by which our agency has been known in its 129-year history.”

Today’s annual meeting was attended by Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Roland “Danny” Martin, IF&W Deputy Commissioner Paul Jacques, members of the IF&W Advisory Council, the IF&W Legislative Committee, and other guests.

“Folks that you connect with, from sportsmen and sportswomen to outdoor enthusiasts, appreciate what you do,” said Commissioner Martin. “A recent survey in an outdoors publication stated that 92 percent of the people believe you’re doing a good job. I do, too. I congratulate you and thank you for all that you do for the people of Maine.”

This year’s honorees are:

· Warden of the Year/Shikar Safari Club Wildlife Officer of the Year Award: To Jim Martin, a 20-year veteran based in Calais, nominated by Sgt. David Craven. Warden Martin is recognized for his dedication to the public safety of people within his district, his enforcement of Maine’s poaching laws, his commitment to safety education by wardens, his work with local, state, federal and international law enforcement officers and agencies, and his representation of game wardens through union efforts to negotiate contracts.

“Jim is as honest a person as you will find,” according to Sgt. Craven. “His integrity is above reproach, and the ethics and professionalism he displays in the performance of his duties serve as a model to all who work around him. Jim is a steady year-in and year-out performer; no flash, no big talk, just consistent results. This comes from old-fashioned pride in doing his job well, and conducting himself as a man of honor.”

“The Colonel has asked me to say a few words,” said Warden Martin, upon receipt of this honor. “I will keep it few. I am proud to serve.”

· Colonel’s Award: To the Cumberland County District Attorney Stephanie Anderson, Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Norbert, and the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office, selected and presented by Col. Joel Wilkinson. For their unwavering support and steadfast commitment to the prosecution of Robert Lapointe, who last fall was convicted of aggravated operation of a motorcraft while under the influence in the deaths of two people on Long Lake in 2007.

“A critical component to successful prosecution of major cases is early involvement and support from the Prosecutor’s Office,” said Col. Wilkinson, who detailed the extraordinary level of time and attention to detail given to this case. “Ms. Anderson and Ms. Norbert successfully argued to have the jury view the boats and their associated damage in person, an impressive sight indeed. They examined dozens of witnesses and argued unceasing objections. They pressed forward through the shock of Lapointe’s emotions as he broke down when he described seeing his damaged boat. They remained cool under pressure as they navigated the ebb and flow of trial emotions.

“To the people of the State of Maine, the Long Lake investigation demonstrated that the Maine Warden Service will not tolerate people operating watercraft recklessly or under the influence of alcohol or drugs on our inland waters,” said Col. Wilkinson. “To the Maine Warden Service, it demonstrated the positive results that can be achieved with teamwork and partnerships such as the one developed between our investigative team and the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office.”

· 2008 NASBLA Boating Officer of the Year: To Warden Alan Gillis of Orrington, presented by Col. Joel Wilkinson and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. Throughout the last year, Warden Gillis conducted more than 400 watercraft safety checks and documented 63 violations, has participated in search and rescue missions and poaching investigations, and has spoken to area schools, sportsmen’s clubs and sportsmen’s shows.

“Warden Gillis rarely misses an opportunity to educate the public about recreational boating safety, a task he takes seriously and one in which he represents the Maine Warden Service very well,” said Col. Wilkinson. “He is dedicated to ensuring the safety of those who recreate on Maine’s waters.”

· Supervisor of the Year Award: To Chief Game Warden Pilot Charlie Later of Greenville. Presented by Major Gregory Sanborn. For his expertise in aviation, fiscal responsibility, and supervision of two MWS pilots who provide all of the aviation needs for the MWS throughout the state.

“Chief Pilot Later is never satisfied with the status quo,” Major Sanborn said. “He is constantly recommending training for his division and applying for grant money to increase the capabilities of the air wing. Just recently the division was able to get a ‘free’ airplane from the federal government. Being free, there was plenty of work to be done on it. Once completed, this additional aircraft will help provide additional air resources to our missions.”

· Special Recognition Awards:

o To Jody Breton of Livermore Falls, former director of the Natural Resources Service Center, presented by Col. Joel Wilkinson and Major Gregory Sanborn. For her tireless and outstanding support during recent budget reductions to ensure that the Maine Warden Service continued to meet its obligations to the people of Maine. Ms. Breton also was made an honorary member of the Maine Warden Service.

o To the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Department, presented by Sgt. Chris Simmons and Col. Wilkinson. In the Fall of 2007, Sheriff John J. Goggin and the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Department formed a partnership with the Maine Warden Service to handle dispatch calls for service in Piscataquis County, and for Operation Game Thief, a statewide program that allows anonymous individuals to report alleged poaching operations.

“This service provided by the staff of the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Department to Operation Game Thief has been nothing short of excellent,” said Col. Wilkinson. “Their efforts play a major role in the overall protection of our natural resources. We thank them for their commitment and dedication to this program and to the members of the Maine Warden Service.”

o To U.S. Fish and Wildlife Agents Eric Holmes and Robert Roth, presented by Game Warden Joey Lefebvre. For their surveillance assistance over a period of time in the apprehension of a convicted felon and others who were operating a poaching operation behind the felon’s home, as well as growing marijuana plants, hunting without a license, and possession of a firearm.

o To Dave Blake, Jeff Coon, Chris Davidson and David Minott, four members of the Maine State Police garage staff and nicknamed the “Dirty Dog Posse,” presented by Lt. Shon Theriault and Warden John MacDonald. For their invaluable assistance in bringing the Maine Warden Service and its Mobil Data Project online when financial resources were tight and deadlines were looming.

· Meritorious Service Award: Given to a Game Warden for conduct above the ordinary course of duty when, because of initiative, courage and diligence, the Game Warden places himself in danger while performing his duty.

o To Sgt. Bill Chandler of Greenville, presented by Lt. Pat Dorian. For his selfless efforts to subdue a suicidal man brandishing a loaded firearm at Indian Hill Trading Post in Greenville. “Sgt. Chandler used personal knowledge of the man and his family to negotiate with him, encouraging him not to hurt himself. The subject eventually laid the weapon down and agreed to walk over to Sgt. Chandler with his hands over his head,” according to Lt. Dorian.

· Exemplary Service Awards: Given to a Game Warden who has rendered relevant outstanding service which deserves special recognition.

o To Captain Dan Scott of Hampden, Investigator Phil Dugas, Investigator Jason Luce, Warden Kevin Anderson and Warden Jeremy Judd, presented by Lt. Adam Gormely. For their investigation that led to the arrest and conviction of Robert Lapointe for aggravated operating under the influence for the deaths of two boaters on Long Lake in 2007. This investigation was the most comprehensive undertaken by the Maine Warden Service to date.

o To Warden Specialist Steve Allarie of Farmingdale, presented by Lt. Shon Theriault. For sound judgment and fiscal responsibility in coordinating a relocation of the Maine Warden Service administration into a new, centrally located office at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife headquarters in Augusta.

o To Warden John MacDonald of Pownal, presented by Lt. Shon Theriault. For distinguished service and project management in coordinating and placing mobilized data equipment in all Game Warden vehicles. The daunting task included working with the state Office of Information Technology, other law enforcement agencies, contractors and vendors to ensure the software worked with current operating systems and could be used throughout the state.

o To Warden David Allen of Ashland, presented by Sgt. Tom Ward. For offering wilderness first aid and twice stabilizing a moose hunter who was suffering from cardiac arrest at Clayton Lake before the hunter was transported by LifeFlight to Bangor.

o To Warden Rick Clowry of Harmony, presented by Sgt. Bill Chandler. For investigating a trespassing complaint in Palmyra that led to the shutdown of a poaching operation, with convictions and fines for four subjects and jail time for a fifth individual.

o To Warden Mike Pierre of Gorham, presented by Sgt. Tim Spahr and Lt. Adam Gormely, for his fish conservation efforts, including the protection of native landlocked salmon and smelts, by investigating and apprehending poachers in southwestern Maine.

o To Warden Ben Drew of Houlton, Warden Durward Humphrey of Benedicta, and Warden Scott Martin of Patten, presented by Lt. Doug Tibbetts. For their investigation that led to 25 summonses for illegal moose and deer hunting, and illegal drug possession.

· K-9 Conservation Case of the Year Award: To Game Warden Paul Farrington and Koda, of Springfield, presented by Warden Wayde Carter and Warden Roger Guay. For their recovery of key evidence to apprehend deer poachers on Marsh Island in the fields at the University of Maine.

· K-9 Search and Rescue of the Year Award: To Game Warden Jeff Spencer and Bridger, of St. Francis, presented by Warden Wayde Carter and Warden Roger Guay. For their search of a suicidal female subject who was missing and armed with a handgun. Warden Spencer and Bridger located the subject, who had a gunshot wound to the chest, deep in the woods and administered first aid until an ambulance arrived.

· Maine Warden Service Association Legendary Game Warden: To retired Game Warden Don Walker of Bingham, presented by Warden Chris Dyer. Walker served from 1954 to 1975. For being “gritty and persistent” and for his efforts to start up and supervise the Maine Warden Service’s search and rescue operations. Retired Warden Walker continues to participate in dive team and other MWS training programs.

· Maine Warden Service Association Merit Awards: Given to volunteers and other individuals who help the Maine Warden Service perform its mission. To Rick Michaud of Crouchville, Lance Wheaton of Forest City, Jack Knight of Bridgton, and Pam and Brian Wells of Old Town.

Posted by Tom Remington

AUGUSTA — The Maine Wildlife Park, owned and operated by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, has been recognized as a 2009 Editors’ Choice in Yankee Magazine’s Travel Guide to New England, on sale from April 28 through the end of the August.

The Editors’ Choice recommendation designates Yankee editors’ and writers’ favorite restaurants, lodgings, attractions, and bargains across New England.

“Yankee’s editors and our trusted legion of travel writers select our Editors’ Choice winners,” says Yankee editor Mel Allen. “From their own experiences and tips from our readers, they research and find the most deserving establishments in New England. Recipients range from the rustic to the refined, but all are noteworthy and memorable destinations.”

Located just 3.5 miles off of Maine Turnpike Exit 63 on Route 26 in Gray, the Maine Wildlife Park is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visitors must exit the park by 6 p.m. Here, you can view and photograph live moose, deer, bears, eagles, cougars, porcupines, coyotes, owls, turtles, trophy trout, and more – over 30 species of native wildlife. Enjoy nature trails, wildlife gardens, a snack shack, nature store, picnicking and more! Admission fees. www.mainewildlifepark.com

“We at the Maine Wildlife Park certainly appreciate the national recognition by Yankee Magazine,” said IF&W Natural Sciences Educator Lisa Kane, who supervises the Maine Wildlife Park. “We hope the designation of being the ‘Best Place to Meet the Natives’ will contribute to our already promising 2009 season.”

The magazine’s write-up is as follows:

Editors’ Choice – Yankee Travel Guide (2009)

Maine Wildlife Park – Best Place to Meet the Natives

This state-operated refuge and education facility
houses wildlife that are either being rehabilitated
or are unable to return to the wild, including deer,
moose, black bear, and bald eagle are among the
25 or so species on view. Interactive displays and
exhibits, special programs, and nature trails round
out the offerings.

For 33 years, Yankee Magazine’s Travel Guide to New England has been the most widely distributed and best-selling guide to the six-state region, providing readers with a comprehensive vacation-planning tool and daily reference.

Yankee Magazine’s 2009 Travel Guide offers 270 reasons to see New England, including 254 “Best of New England — Editors’ Choice” selections where visitors can find the best foods and refreshments, lodging, attractions, and bargains. This special issue also names 120 top events around the region and includes food, home, and garden articles. Yankee tells readers who’s the Best Seafood Place with a Water View, Best Trendy Eatery, Best Down-Home B&B, Best Summer Theatre, and many more. And for those who think Yankee is wrong, the staff is running a “Best of New England — Readers’ Choice” survey at YankeeMagazine.com/readerschoice, with results to be published in Yankee’s January/February 2010 issue.

“Travel may never have been as important to our psyche as it is now; we may have lost money, but not curiosity,” says Yankee editor Mel Allen. “We still need the fun and adventure and stimulation that travel, more than anything else, gives us. And no place I know lets you see so much—from mountains and deep, clear lakes to storybook villages and world-class museums, all within a few hours of one another—as New England does.”

The Maine Wildlife Park also will be recommended on YankeeMagazine.com.

For more information visit: YankeeMagazine.com

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About Yankee Magazine: Yankee Magazine was founded in 1935 and is based in Dublin, New Hampshire. It is the only magazine devoted to New England through its coverage of travel, home, food, and features. With a paid circulation of more than 350,000 and a total audience of nearly 2.5 million, it is published by Yankee Publishing Incorporated (YPI), one of the few remaining family owned independent magazine publishers in the United States.. More information about Yankee: New England’s Magazine is available at: YankeeMagazine.com

Wildlife Biologist Charles Todd Receives National Endangered Species “Recovery Champion” Award From the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife biologist Charles Todd is the recipient of the national Recovery Champion Award presented by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Mr. Todd, who is greatly respected by his co-workers and peers for restoring the bald eagle population in Maine, received the award Thursday night in Washington, D.C.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Acting Director Rowan Gould announced the 18 recipients of the Service’s 2008 Recovery Champion award. The Recovery Champion award recognizes Service employees and their partners for contributions to the recovery of threatened and endangered species in the United States.

“The Recovery Champion award both recognizes the exceptional conservation accomplishments of its honorees and highlights the importance of strong and diverse partnerships in species conservation,” said Gould. “Recovery Champions are helping imperiled species regain their place in the natural resources fabric of our country while focusing attention on the importance of conserving our nation’s biological heritage for future generations.”

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Roland “Danny” Martin commended Mr. Todd’s professionalism and scientific dedication in his work to return bald eagles to Maine’s blue skies and vast woodlands.

“Bald eagles were nearly extirpated from Maine,” noted Martin. “In 1972 only 29 pairs of eagles remained here. Today, thanks in large part to Charlie’s efforts, there are at least 477 nesting pairs of eagles, annually producing more than 300 eaglets.”

Mr. Todd is regarded as a veritable institution in Maine, according to Regional Director Marvin E. Moriarty. Todd is noted for his bald eagle work in the skies and on the ground – spotting habitat, protecting nest sites, rearing chicks, banding nestlings, rescuing injured birds, and providing eagles to other states to establish populations.

Applauded for his diplomatic approach and technical expertise, Mr. Todd has collaborated with Native American tribes, pulp and paper mills, the academic community, non-government organizations, and state and federal agencies, engaging landowners to ensure that nesting birds are safe from disturbance. He has given presentations to schools, universities, conservation groups and scientists, and he helped establish Maine’s first eagle Webcam.

A guiding force and mentor for eagle researchers, Todd is contributing to another legacy — stewardship through scholarship.

The 2008 Recovery Champion honorees are working to benefit a range of endangered and threatened plants and animals. From whooping cranes to mussels, Service employees and partners such as universities, conservation agencies, and private organizations are devoting their resources to a shared mission. Habitat restoration, public awareness campaigns, and species’ monitoring programs are just a few examples of this year’s Recovery Champion honorees’ efforts.

For additional information, please visit the Service’s Recovery Champion Web site at: http://www.fws.gov/endangered/recovery/champions/index.html

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and a trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife are stewards of Maine’s outdoors, working to preserve and protect Maine’s natural resources, outdoor heritage and economic foundation. For more information, visit www.mefishwildlife.com