RANGELEY – The Rangeley Region Guides’ and Sportsmen’s Association invites the public to attend an informative meeting Thursday, June 19, at their clubhouse on Old Skiway Rd., Oquossoc. Topic of the evening will be the impact of illegal introduction of smallmouth bass to Lake Umbagog several years ago and the recent observation of young of this species in Pond-in-the-River and Rapid River last summer.
Speaker will be Brian Weidel of Ithaca, N.Y. and. candidate for a master’s degree in natural resources at Cornell University. As part of his research, he has studied the impact of bass on other natural species. He has worked to control bass populations in a lake the size of Pond-in-the-River and plans to tour the Rapid River watershed, including Umbagog, prior to his talk.
Dave Boucher, Maine Fisheries biologist, will then present for discussion some thoughts on regulation changes designed to protect brook trout, reduce competition from salmon and control the bass. Other members of Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, New Hampshire Fish and Wildlife, Florida Power and Light, Trout Unlimited and other sporting organizations have been invited to attend.
Those attending are invited to a 5:30 cookout. Bring either a hot or cold dish suitable for accompanying hot dogs and hamburgers, or a dessert. To locate Skiway Road, take the second left after the Oquossoc post office.
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