WHAT'S NEW
This Season's TRAIL PROJECTS
You are cordially invited to join Baxter State Park on a volunteer trail work trip this summer.
Enclosed is a description of the four (4) projects available this summer. Please read them over and consider if any of these might fit your schedule and interests.
Baxter State Park will provide all tools, safety equipment (such as hard hats, hearing and eye protection), training/supervision, and accommodations (tent sites or lean-tos) at no charge. Trail volunteers need to bring their own clothing, outdoor gear, and food. 
If you’re interested, please contact me in the next few weeks to get acquainted and make arrangements for these work trips. I will promptly return your call and answer any questions that you may have about our programs. I can be contacted by phone; please leave a message at 207-723-9616 and I will call you back ASAP; fax messages to 207-723-6381; E-mail messages to Paul.Sannicandro@maine.gov.
Thank you for your interest in Baxter State Parks Volunteer projects.
Notice to All Park Visitors:
We Need Your Help!
The Park is not immune to the threat of various invasive species presenting a problem in the northern New England region. In fact, given the ever increasing mobility of our own species, we are likely to be exposed to invasive species from almost anywhere. We try to stay informed on the most likely threats and will try to inform our visitors so they can be part of protecting the native plants and animals in the Park. Here are two threats we hope you will help us keep at bay:
Emerald Ash Borer
The Emerald Ash Borer is an exotic insect of Asian origin that probably arrived in the US in wood packing material carried in cargo ships or airplanes. The Emerald Ash Borer feeds on the inner bark of ash trees killing the ash trees in the process. Damage is not limited to ash trees; once this pest arrives in an area, there are no proven ways to control it and prevent it from destroying trees that are valuable and beautiful.
How can you help?
Please do not bring your own firewood into the Park, even if you live in Maine, but especially if you are visiting from out of state. Firewood can harbor any number of pest species in, on or under the bark or in the wood. Buy your firewood where you burn it. Firewood bundles are available as you pass through the towns near both entrances to Baxter State Park and we sell bundles of firewood in our campgrounds as well. For more information, please check this link to the Maine Forest Service:
www.maine.gov/firewood
Didymo or “Rocksnot”
This new threat is a highly invasive type of algae that has already invaded freshwater rivers and streams in New Hampshire and Vermont, Quebec, and New Brunswick, all places popular with fishermen for their high quality habitat and fishing opportunities. Unlike many invasives, Didymo prefers clear, cold streams ideal for cold water fishing, forming extensive mats on stream beds. The potential for Didymo to alter habitats and displace native species is of great concern to resource managers.
How Can You Help?
First and foremost: After your last fishing location, and before you enter the Park, to fish or boat, clean your boat and all your gear, using the guidelines below, suggested by Maine Department of Environmental Protection.
It is critical for anglers and boats to realize that Didymo can easily spread by even just one cell of the algae. It is essential to check and clean your fishing gear, including felt-soled wading boots. Remove any clumps of algae while you are still in a stream. Options for treatment of gear between streams and locations:
- afterwards, soak and scrub all items for at least one minute in hot water (140 degrees F).
- Felt-lined waders and any other absorbent materials should be soaked for at least 30-40 minutes.
- If cleaning is not practical, after the item is completely dry to touch, wait an additional 48 hours before contact with another waterway.
While these steps may be almost impossible to accomplish while camping in the Park, we encourage anglers to think about whether they can bring extra pairs of river footwear, to allow one to dry out while you use the other or at least to vigorously scrub boats and gear, even if only with cold water, between bodies of water.
We will continue to keep you informed in this section of our webpage of any steps you can take to help protect the Park’s natural beauty. Thanks for your cooperation!
|
