Friday, May 25, 2012

Manchester NH Middle school students snare mysterious reptile


MANCHESTER, N.H. - Two Manchester middle school students got the catch of a lifetime at Steven's Pond on Friday.

They fished a reptile resembling a small alligator out of the pond.

Seventh-graders Eric Vaughan Jr. and Jesse Philbin love to fish, and they caught the big one Friday.

"I saw it today and we ended up getting it," Vaughan said.

It's not clear exactly what the reptile is yet, but police said it could be a Cayman.

"It was just a mean-looking creature," Philbin said.

For two weeks, the Manchester middle-schoolers have been wading into Steven's Pond looking for what residents referred to as an alligator.

They had been looking around Friday afternoon and baited a hook determined to reel in the reptile.

"He took it and the hook got hooked in his mouth, and we dragged him over, and we got him in the net," Vaughan said. "It's bigger than any fish I've ever caught."

The teens said the reptile put up a big fight.

Source: http://www.wmur.com/news/nh-news/Middle-school-students-snare-mysterious-reptile/-/9857858/14229604/-/x1cgra/-/index.html#ixzz1vwbgr28A

Mohawk Trail State Forest Reopen after Tropical Storm Irene

Photo Credit: Dave Peatfield
CHARLEMONT, Mass. — A popular state forest is back open after getting battered by Tropical Storm Irene.

The Mohawk Trail State Forest was closed for months after the storm, but campers are finally back on the grounds.

The Loftus family is enjoying a family camping trip at the Mohawk Trail State Forest.

“It’s really nice, my first time here, but it’s really cool to be on the river with the mountains in the backround,” says Sarah.






Photo Credit: Dave Peatfield
It wasn’t so peaceful here last August when Tropical Storm Irene hit.

Massive rain caused big flooding problems here, washing away some campsites and even part Route 2 leading to the state forest was washed away.

Brendan Loftus says they were here soon after that.


“We just went for a cruise, not specifically to see the damage kind of a fall foliage. We couldn’t get over how bad the damage was,” says Brendan.

Photo Credit: Dave Peatfield
A lot of Franklin County took a beating by the storm, especially here.

These camp sites weren’t open for the fall season because the damage here at the state forest was so bad, they couldn’t open until after the new year.

After months of clean up and repairs, it’s business, or camping, as usual.

” We did some hiking this morning and now we’re going kayaking have you noticed any damage along the way? Not really its been pretty good,” says Kate Loftus.


Photo Credit: Dave Peatfield
“It’s amazing how much they’ve accomplished in that amount of time. The way they rebuilt a lot of the area, like the rocks to channel the river and prevent future damage.”

Now the only worry here is having enough wood for the camp fire to keep the mosquitoes away.

Not only is the Mohawk tTrail State Forest open in time for Memorial Day, the campground is booked solid for the weekend.
Photo Credit: Dave Peatfield

2 car accident on 495S turns highway into a parking lot for over an hour in Haverhill



A two-vehicle crash with serious personal injury occurred on Interstate 495 South, just south of exit 52 in Haverhill, around 8:05 tonight, according to state police.

Both sides of the highway were closed for well over an hour for the landing of a medical helicopter and investigation.

The cars involved were a snarled mess and appears the occupants of one vehicle needed to be removed with the Jaws of Life.

The vehicles involved are a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am and a 2006 Hyundai Elantra. Reports were that a female alone hit the second car with a male driver and small child. All were sent / flown to Lawrence General Hospital.

My family and I had the misfortune of sitting in traffic less than a thousand yards from the crash site while the state police investigated the scene.

Traffic was reported to be backed up to 95S.

12 year old falls 30 ft off rock face on Mt Major


ALTON, N.H. - Rescuers from a number of Lakes Region communities rescued a 12-year-old and his 46-year-old uncle who were injured on Mt. Major this afternoon.

According to Fish and Game officers at the scene, the 12-year-old fell an unknown distance around 4 p.m. When his uncle rushed to help him, he fell 30 feet off a rock face. His fall was stopped by a tree, authorities said.

A registered nurse in the family who was hiking with them provided first aid. The family used a cellphone to call 911 and rescuers were able to track their GPS location through the phone.

Emergency crews reached them in about 3 1/2 hours.

They both had to be carried off the mountain and were taken to a nearby hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.

New Hampshire Fish and Game provided assistance along with crews from Alton, Gilford, Gilmanton and New Durham.



Read more: http://www.wmur.com/news/nh-news/Boy-uncle-rescued-on-Mt-Major/-/9857858/14219484/-/2m9u7sz/-/index.html#ixzz1vwBpyDvR

BREAKING: Celtics #39; Avery Bradley to undergo shoulder surgery Friday, is done for playoffs.


- ow.ly/b7z1e

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

BE AWARE OF ENDANGERED PIPING PLOVERS ON NEW HAMPSHIRE BEACHES

Six plover pairs nesting at Hampton and Seabrook

CONCORD, N.H. -- Be aware of endangered birds on the beaches this holiday weekend and beyond as the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department reports there are six pairs of piping plovers nesting along the sandy shores of Hampton and Seabrook. Piping plovers are endangered in New Hampshire and threatened nationally. Their breeding habitat is fenced with yellow roping to indicate the birds' presence to beach-goers and to allow the mating pairs space to nest and raise their young.

"Our goal is to protect these rare birds during their breeding season and manage the beaches for both people and wildlife," said Brendan Clifford a biologist with the Fish and Game's Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program who oversees the piping plover protection effort.

"The sooner the birds nest, the sooner the chicks will hatch and grow big enough to be able to fly. Once the chicks are about 30 days old, they can fly and escape from danger and we can take down the fences that protect their breeding habitat and open up the whole beach for recreational use," explained Clifford.

Within just a few hours of hatching, piping plover chicks are able to walk and feed on their own. The first month is the most crucial time, because they are very small and hard to see and extremely vulnerable to natural predators such as gulls, crows, foxes and domestic animals including cats and dogs. People are possibly the biggest threat of all, however.

"Sadly, there have been incidences over the past few years where people have deliberately vandalized fencing meant to protect the birds and even stolen eggs right out of the nest," Clifford said. While Fish and Game cannot monitor the birds 24 hours a day, they do rely on a number of volunteers to keep watch over the birds and activities taking place on the beaches.

N.H. Fish and Game is working closely again this year with beach managers to coordinate beach raking and plover protection. Beach maintenance may occur, as long as it is coordinated in advance with N.H. Fish and Game and does not pose a threat to the piping plovers.

Since protection efforts began in 1997, a total of 89 piping plover chicks have fledged from New Hampshire's seacoast. New Hampshire's efforts are part of a region-wide protection program; overall, the Atlantic coast population of piping plovers continues to hold steady.

Protection of this endangered species is a cooperative effort of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, N.H. Fish and Game Department, N.H. Division of Parks and Recreation, the Town of Seabrook, the Town of Hampton, volunteers, local residents and beach visitors.

Beachgoers can make a big difference in whether or not piping plover chicks survive to fledgling age:


* WATCH WHERE YOU STEPA plover chick's defense mechanism is to freeze when people get close, which makes it difficult to see. The chicks are about the size of a cottonball and light colored, so they blend in with the sand.


* LEASH YOUR DOG - Free-running dogs can accidentally step on and crush eggs and chase after the chicks and adult plovers. Hampton Beach State Park and the Town of Seabrook both have restrictions regarding dogs on beaches during the summer. People should check before bringing their dog on any public beach.


* FILL IN HOLES - Holes in the sand are traps for the tiny chicks that can't fly. Filling in any holes on the beach helps the chicks move about and find the food they need to grow strong and be able to fly.


* VOLUNTEER! - Volunteers will be needed to help with monitoring once the plover chicks begin to hatch around Memorial Day. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact the N.H. Fish and Game Department Piping Plover Monitor at 603-419-9728.

For more information on piping plovers in New Hampshire, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Wildlife/Nongame/projects/plover_project.html.

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Police Caution Residents on Bear Sightings, N Salem NH


Salem Patch

Dave has shared the following article from Salem Patch:
21971b068592b5388bf68ef549b86e83Police Caution Residents on Bear Sightings
Patten: Bear sightings on the rise in North Salem....
By Jake O'Donnell
I thought you might be interested in this article from the Salem Patch.

Maybe I will get my Bear pictures sooner rather than later!

Residents have been reporting the sightings in recent days and noted they have been happening specifically in the Coventry Road neighborhood.



View Larger Map



Couple of Outdoor Activity suggestions (Target.com) adv


C9 by Champion® Men's Powercore Compression Shirt

































$499.99

Garmin GPSMAP62 2.6 In. Waterproof Handheld Navigator - Silver/Yellow


Help prevent getting lost

Keep a strong sense of direction with this waterproof handheld navigator from Garmin. This GPS device is very useful while fishing, hunting and camping. For added convenience, the device can easily accommodate an SD memory card.
  • Mobile GPS Features: High-Sensitivity GPS Receiver, Built-In Worldwide Base Maps, Download Capability, Sun/Moon Information, MicrcoSD Card Slot, Hunt/Fish Calendar
  • Mapping Features: Worldwide Basemap, Routes, Updatable
  • Used For: Camping, Marine, Sportsman, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting
  • Points of Interest: 2
  • Number of Waypoints: 2000
  • Display Features: TFT Display, Color Display
  • Display Size: 2.6 "
  • Screen Resolution: 160 x 240
  • Built-In Memory Storage Capacity: 1GB
  • Media Type Compatibility: MicroSD Card
  • Wired Connectivity: USB
  • Battery Life: Up to 20 Hours
  • Includes: Instruction Manual, Wrist Strap, USB Cable
  • Not Included: Batteries
  • Protective Qualities: Waterproof
  • Dimensions: 6.3 " H x 2.4 " W x 1.4 " D
  • Weight: 0.6 Lb.
  • Warranty Description: 1 Year Limited Manufacturer Warranty

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Nearly 1,000 dogs now sick from jerky treats, FDA reports say

Nearly 1,000 dogs reportedly have been sickened by chicken jerky pet treats from China, according to a new tally of complaints from worried owners and veterinarians submitted to federal health officials.

The Food and Drug Administration has logged 900 reports of illnesses and deaths since November, when it warned owners about continued problems with the products known variously as chicken jerky strips, treats and nuggets, a spokeswoman said.

Back then, the agency already had heard from 70 owners about problems ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to kidney failure and other serious ailments after animals reportedly consumed the treats.

Three top brands of chicken jerky treats were among those most recently cited by pet owners and veterinarians in complaints of harm, FDA records obtained by msnbc.com showed. They included Waggin’ Train and Canyon Creek Ranch brands produced by Nestle Purina PetCare Co., and Milo’s Kitchen Home-style Dog Treats, produced by the Del Monte Corp.

Import data compiled by the firm ImportGenius showed that Waggin' Train and Canyon Creek Ranch treats are produced and supplied by JOC Great Wall Corp. Ltd. of Nanjing, China.

Story Continues Here



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Dangerous plant setting roots in Maine: Giant hogweed

.
NORTHPORT, Maine — Officials in a Maine town are warning residents to be on the lookout for a noxious plant that can cause painful blisters or even blindness if it comes into contact with skin or eyes.

Last summer, Northport identified and eliminated two giant hogweeds that set down roots. Now residents are on alert for the giant plant with small white flowers.

Native to Asia, the weed can grow to 14 feet tall and the sap causes blisters and the potential for blindness if it comes into contact with the eye.

The Bangor Daily News says the danger is real enough that the Maine Department of Agriculture alerted Waldo County General Hospital last summer. Last year, the department documented at least 20 sites in Maine with giant hogweed.



Do Not Touch This Plant!

Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a Federally listed noxious weed. Its sap, in combination with moisture and sunlight, can cause severe skin and eye irritation, painful blistering, permanent scarring and blindness. Contact between the skin and the sap of this plant occurs either through brushing against the bristles on the stem or breaking the stem or leaves.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU COME IN CONTACT WITH GIANT HOGWEED:

This plant poses a serious health threat; see your physician if you think you have been burned by giant hogweed. If you think you have giant hogweed on your property, do NOT touch it.

HOW DO YOU IDENTIFY GIANT HOGWEED?

Giant hogweed is a biennial or perennial herb in the carrot family (Apiaceae) which can grow to 12 feet or more. Its hollow, ridged stems grow 2-4 inches in diameter and have dark reddish-purple blotches. Its large compound leaves can grow up to 5 feet wide. It's white flower heads can grow up to 2 1/2 feet in diameter. Please refer to the Giant Hogweed Identification page for further help.
Information courtesy of the New York Department of Environmental Conservation




Man vs. Wild


source: http://www.pressherald.com/news/Dangerous-plant-setting-roots-in-Maine.html

Bear cubs orphaned after mother killed by car in Moultonborough NH

Cubs' mother killed by car
Bear cubs orphaned in Moultonborough


MOULTONBOROUGH, N.H. - Fish and Game officials are asking people in Moultonborough to be on the lookout for a pair of orphaned bear cubs.

Officials said the cubs' mother was killed by a car on Route 25 last week.

The cubs were last spotted wandering in the area of Glidden Road.

Anyone who sees them is asked to contact New Hampshire Fish and Game at 744-5470.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Saturday, June 2, 2012, Is Free Fishing Day in New Hampshire


CONCORD, N.H. – New Hampshire's Free Fishing Day is almost here! Saturday, June 2, 2012, is the statewide Free Fishing Day, when you can fish any inland water – or saltwater – without a fishing license. Take advantage of this special event and plan to get out and enjoy the day fishing with your family and friends. Both state residents and nonresidents may participate.

New Hampshire FishingAll other fishing regulations must be followed on Free Fishing Day, including season dates and bag limits. There is one exception: you still need a fishing license and a special permit to fish for brood stock Atlantic salmon in the Merrimack and lower Pemigewasset rivers.

Free Fishing Day kicks off 2012 National Fishing and Boating Week, a nationwide observance encouraging families to have fun together on the water.

For details on fishing rules for various waters, consult the 2012 N.H. Freshwater and Saltwater fishing digests, available at www.fishnh.com/pubs/fishing.html.

You can find lots more helpful information about fishing on the Fish and Game website at www.fishnh.com/Fishing/fishing.htm, including waterbodies that have been recently stocked with fish, trout waters, lake depths, public access sites and more.

If you get hooked on Free Fishing Day, enjoy the fun year round by buying a license online at www.fishnh.com or from any of 250 friendly local license agents statewide.

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BOSTON RED SOX POSTGAME ALERT May 21, 2012



BOSTON RED SOX POSTGAME ALERT
May 21, 2012

Boston 8, Baltimore 6 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Boston Record: (21-21)
Baltimore Record: (27-16)

Winning pitcher - Andrew Miller (1-0)
Losing pitcher - Kevin Gregg (2-2)
SV - Alfredo Aceves (10)

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GAME LINKS:
Recap | Full Box Score | Photo Gallery | Highlights 

Visit redsox.com for more information »
Standings »
Game Notes » 

Body recovered from Mount Washington crevasse

Norman Priebatsch, 67, of Boston, fell hundreds of feet April 1

PINKHAM NOTCH, N.H. - The body of a Massachusetts hiker has been recovered from a Mount Washington crevasse.

Norman Priebatsch, 67, of Boston lost his footing and fell hundreds of feet into the crevasse while hiking with his son at Tuckerman Ravine on April 1.

A ranger had been lowered into the crevasse after Priebatsch fell but could not see or hear him. Officials determined he couldn't have survived the fall.

The search was suspended after conditions on Mount Washington became too treacherous.

On Sunday, officials determined that a tunnel leading to the crevasse had melted enough for searchers to enter it. They recovered the body in about two hours.

Previous stories:
4/10/12 http://thoughts-drp.blogspot.com/2012/04/officials-explore-tuckerman-crevasse.html

4/03/12 http://thoughts-drp.blogspot.com/2012/04/mass-hiker-falls-into-tuckerman-ravine.html

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Purple traps set to capture invasive insect: Emerald Ash Borer

CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire agriculture officials are telling people who love to walk in the woods that they'll be seeing a lot of purple this summer.

File:Purple trap.JPG
Purple prism traps resembling box kites will be seen in ash trees as part of a survey to determine if an invasive pest has reached the state: the emerald ash borer.

The insects from Asia can devastate local tree populations. To date, they have not been detected in New Hampshire.

The bugs are attracted to the color and scent of the trap.

File:Agrilus planipennis 001.jpgNew Hampshire is involved in a national project designed to monitor the progress of the insect, which has destroyed millions of acres of trees in 15 other states and Canadian provinces.

The traps don't pose a threat to humans, pets or wildlife.