Chop and Drop: Fisheries Habitat Enhancement Training

Bureau / Program: Maine Forest Service
Date: June 8, 2022
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Event Type: Workshop/Training

Large wood in freshwater streams provide habitat features which are vital to the survival of native brook trout, Atlantic salmon and other cold water fish species. Adding large wood to stream channels using the "chop and drop" method in conjunction with a timber harvest can create pools, provide cover for juvenile fish and enhance overall stream function.

These trainings are an opportunity for Licensed Foresters and Fisheries Biologists to meet the requirements of Maine Forest Service (MFS) Rule Chapter 25; Standards for Placing Wood Into Stream Channels to Enhance Cold Water Fisheries. This rule seeks to streamline the permitting process for landowners who wish to undertake voluntary wood addition projects in cooperation with state fisheries resource agencies.

Topics will include:

  • Stream Geomorphology - John Field, Fluvial Geomorphologist, Field Geology Services.
  • Forest Stream Ecology and the Biological Effects of Large Wood Additions - Merry Gallagher, Native Fish Conservation Biologist, Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
  • Standards for Placing Wood Into Stream Channels to Enhance Cold Water Fisheries - Tom Gilbert, Water Resources Specialist, Maine Forest Service.
  • Timber Harvesting Techniques and Forestry Regulation - Jim Ferrante, District Forester, Maine Forest Service.
  • Funding Opportunities for Chop and Drop Projects - The Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The training will consist of an online portion and a field portion. To qualify for the Chapter 25 streamlined permitting process, participants must attend both the online session on Wednesday, June 8th, from 9:00 12:00, as well as a field session where participants will view existing and/or proposed projects at their choice of 1 of 3 locations:

  • Lyman - Thursday, June 9th, from 8:00 - 12:00; Hosted by the US Forest Service
  • Bingham - Friday, June 10th, from 8:00 - 12:00; Hosted by Henning Stabins, Weyerhaeuser
  • Wesley - Thursday, June 16th, from 8:00 - 12:00; Hosted by Tanya Rucosky, Downeast Salmon Federation

Registration

There is no fee for these workshops but preregistration is required. Registered participants who cannot make the June 8th training may view a recording at a later date. To register, please click on the following link: Register for Chop and Drop Fisheries Habitat Enhancement Training

Credits

This training will provide category 1 CFE credits.

Contact Name: Tom Gilbert
Contact Phone: 207-441-5282
Contact Email: thomas.gilbert@maine.gov
Cost: No fee for these workshops but preregistration is required.