White-nose Syndrome Documented in Another New Hampshire County
CONCORD, N.H. -- Are you planning to remove bats from your property? Be aware that a new rule designed to protect bats prohibits the exclusion of bats from unoccupied structures by licensed Wildlife Control Operators from May 15 through August 15, unless the N.H. Department of Health and Human Services has documented a rabid bat on the property. The rule was established this year in response to growing concern for the status of many of New Hampshire's bat populations, which have been decimated by white-nose syndrome (WNS) in recent years.
Bats in New Hampshire have suffered greatly as a result of white-nose syndrome. Populations of five of the state’s eight species of bats have plummeted, with hibernating numbers of the once-common little brown bat plunging over 99%, according to Emily Brunkhurst, a biologist with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program.
"This rule helps protect our remaining bat populations during the time when they are raising young," said Brunkhurst. "While this measure is certainly helpful, we strongly urge people to avoid evicting bats from any structure, occupied or otherwise, during the summer months. Our bats are in big trouble, and, this is something concrete you can do to help them survive."
WNS was recently found for the first time in Rockingham County, bringing the total number of New Hampshire counties where the deadly bat disease has been found to four.
"It was very sad to see bats with white muzzles this winter in a new county. So far we only know the fungus is on the bats, but not if they are severely infected. We had no dead bats to test, which is good. We will continue to monitor these hibernating bat colonies to see how they do," said Brunkhurst.
There are indications that some bats are surviving several years of exposure to WNS. Bats in a maternity colony in Fort Drum, N.Y., have returned to breed for at least three years in a row. There are also a small number of bats still hibernating in three of the New York caves where WNS was first found. A new banding effort this year may provide some insight into whether the returning bats are the same individuals.
In New Hampshire, biologists are continuing to investigate some World War II bunkers where bats hibernate, to see if these may be serving as refuges from the fungus. In March 2011, biologists banded several bats there and tested them for the fungus. Unfortunately, five bats did test positive for the fungus, and yet they looked healthy. This year, nine banded bats returned to the bunkers, including three northern long-eared bats, one of the species hardest hit by WNS.
"Two of the returning bats had previously tested positive for the fungus, so it was encouraging to know they had survived," said Brunkhurst. "In March, we again tested big brown and long-eared bats for the fungus, and banded those we could reach. Sadly, three new bats showed visible fungus, and we will not be able to track them over time, as they were up on a high ceiling and could not be captured for banding. Perhaps this year's early spring helped them survive, as they could get food earlier than usual."
So far, there has been no success with finding a treatment for WNS, and the disease continues to appear in new bat colonies across the country every winter; it has spread from the Northeast through the Midwest and arrived in states in the Deep South and west of the Mississippi River this year.
"Summer surveys are echoing what winter ones have shown us, that there are few bats left in the skies over New York, Vermont, Massachusetts and New Hampshire," said Brunkhurst. "But there are ways that you can help. If you have a bat colony, please allow it to remain. If you need to remove it, please do not do so until after the bat pups are ready to fly off. They need the roost for a week or so after they learn to fly, for protection during the day. By mid-August, they will have left with their mothers to fatten up and seek winter shelter. Then you can plug up those access holes."
To learn more about New Hampshire's bats, white-nose syndrome, and how you can help, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Wildlife/Nongame/bats.html.
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Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Hampton Beach Sandsculpting Competition
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| ©Dave Peatfield |
How it Started - How its Grown
It all began in 2000 with twenty-five cents. One quarter. The New Hampshire Quarter to be precise.
Local artist and master sand sculptor Gregory Grady was commissioned by the U.S. Mint to create a larger than life replica of the new tail side edition New Hampshire quarter out of ten tons of sand during the Hampton Beach Children's Festival. At the time, it was just a part if the statewide celebration held for the release of that coin. It was something Hampton Beach had never seen the likes of before!
Fortunately, it was something Hampton Beach would see again. The following year, the first annual Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpture Competition was held. When 220 tons of imported sand was trucked into the beach with Gregory Grady and his 'bunch' laboring for five days on the sponsor site followed by a three day competition of ten world class masters creating their own unique sculpture, a new era was born and sand sculpture had arrived to the northeast. Over the course of the event nothing but sand, water, and a bit of their own creativity is used to create astonishing works of art out of shapeless heaps of sand. When completed they are sprayed with windscreen (a solution of school glue and water) to protect them from the elements and remain standing for viewing for weeks creating a free museum of master pieces on the beach.
This invitational only event has grown in leaps and bounds making it the largest Masters competition in the Northeast United States. This year Hampton Beach will feature a sponsor site of 150 tons, Ten world class masters vying for $15,000.00 in purse and entry awards, free lessons and will be illuminated at night for viewing and much much more. Hampton has attracted the attention of millions of visitors who came to watch something which is part sculpture part performance art.
It is something you have to see in person to believe.
Because Hampton has great world class sand sculpting and a whole lot more!
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| ©Dave Peatfield |
The event is lighted for nightly viewing thru July 8th.
The $15,000 in purse and entry awards will be distributed as follows:
1st Prize - $3,000
2nd Prize - $2,500
3rd Prize - $2,000
4th Prize - $1,500
5th Prize - $1,000
People Choice - $500
The non-placing sculptors will each receive a $500 fee for competing.
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| Fifth place went to Michael Lepire of Charlesbourg, Quebec, Canada with the sculpture "Metamorphosis." ©Dave Peatfield |
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| ©Dave Peatfield |
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| Lucinda "Sandy Feet" Wierenga from South Padre Island, TX made a statement with her piece, "Goin' to the Chapel," which depicted two brides getting married. ©Dave Peatfield |
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| ©Dave Peatfield |
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| Fourth place was the sculpture "Chaos + Order" made by Karen Fralich of Burlington, Ontario, Canada. (Also winning) The "People's Choice" Award was given to Karen Fralich from Charlesbourg, Quebec, for the two-sided sculpture, "Chaos + Order," a representation of Viking mythology. ©Dave Peatfield |
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| ©Dave Peatfield |
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| Griffon made by Justin Gordon from Groveland, Massachusetts. ©Dave Peatfield |
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| Steve Topazio from Tiverton, Rhode Island created a depiction of an Ed Roth inspired hot rod. Roth was a well-known hot-rod artist who exaggerated his work in cartoons. ©Dave Peatfield |
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| ©Dave Peatfield |
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| The "Sculptor's Choice" Award was given to Greg J. Grady for his half underground piece titled, "Stairway to Heaven," which featured a human ascending stairs to a castle in the sky. ©Dave Peatfield |
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| ©Dave Peatfield |
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| The first place winner was Carl Jara from Lyndhurst, Ohio with a 12-foot tall sculpture titled "Continuum" wins a cash prize of $3,000 and a trip to the World Championship. ©Dave Peatfield |
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| Third place went to Chris Guinto from Key West, FL, for his sculpture "The Thing," based on the 80s horror film. ©Dave Peatfield |
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| ©Dave Peatfield |
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| Marc Lepire from Charlesborg, Quebec, Canada took second place with the sculpture "Hell's Sandbox" ©Dave Peatfield |
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| ©Dave Peatfield |
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| ©Dave Peatfield |
The sculptors carved over three days, from June 21-23, to complete their own private sculpture using 10 tons of sand. Voting took place and awards were given out on Saturday, June 23 and the Awards Presentation took place at 8 p.m. on the Sea Shell Stage. The band the Continentals provided musical entertainment. Fireworks followed at 9:30 p.m.
The sculptures will remain on display through July 8th, and will be lit for night viewing. For Live Cam viewing of the beach go to: hamptonbeach.org
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| ©Dave Peatfield |
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Brake for Moose: It Could Save Your Life
CONCORD, N.H. – Remember to brake for moose when traveling New Hampshire roadways. There were 146 reported moose/vehicle collisions in New Hampshire in 2011; in the last five years the state has averaged 184 per year. June is a high-risk month for encountering moose on the roads, because moose are moving from winter to spring habitats and coming out to the roads to eat salt. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is working to make people more aware of the danger of moose/vehicle collisions. Step number one is to learn what you can do to reduce the chance of being involved in an accident with a moose.
“Moose are an important and much loved part of our state, but it can be dangerous to encounter them on the road,” said N.H. Fish and Game Moose Project Leader Kristine Rines. “By following a few simple rules, motorists can greatly reduce their chance of a moose/vehicle collision or the severity of personal injury if they do hit a moose.”
When driving on New Hampshire roads, keep these points in mind:
* New Hampshire’s moose herd is approximately 5,000 strong.
* Moose vehicle collisions happen statewide on all types of roads.
* Moose collisions happen most often from the months of May through November.
* While collisions can happen at any time of day, they occur most frequently at dusk and during the night.
* Moose are dark brown and hard to see against pavement.
* Don’t depend on “eye shine” to alert you to a moose’s presence. Moose don’t always look at an approaching vehicle.
* To reduce the chance of a collision – or the severity of occupant injury if you do hit a moose:
* Drive no faster than 55 mph, and wear your seatbelt;
* Scan the sides of the road;
* Be able to stop within the zone of your headlights;
* Use high beams whenever possible;
* If you see a moose, slow down or stop if necessary, until you have passed it or it has left the road.
New Hampshire residents and visitors love to see moose and enjoy sharing the state with these largest denizens of the forest. Make sure your moose encounters are safe for you and the moose: Brake for Moose – It could save your life!
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state’s fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. For more safety tips on avoiding moose collisions, visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Wildlife/brake_for_moose.htm.
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“Moose are an important and much loved part of our state, but it can be dangerous to encounter them on the road,” said N.H. Fish and Game Moose Project Leader Kristine Rines. “By following a few simple rules, motorists can greatly reduce their chance of a moose/vehicle collision or the severity of personal injury if they do hit a moose.”
When driving on New Hampshire roads, keep these points in mind:
* New Hampshire’s moose herd is approximately 5,000 strong.
* Moose vehicle collisions happen statewide on all types of roads.
* Moose collisions happen most often from the months of May through November.
* While collisions can happen at any time of day, they occur most frequently at dusk and during the night.
* Moose are dark brown and hard to see against pavement.
* Don’t depend on “eye shine” to alert you to a moose’s presence. Moose don’t always look at an approaching vehicle.
* To reduce the chance of a collision – or the severity of occupant injury if you do hit a moose:
* Drive no faster than 55 mph, and wear your seatbelt;
* Scan the sides of the road;
* Be able to stop within the zone of your headlights;
* Use high beams whenever possible;
* If you see a moose, slow down or stop if necessary, until you have passed it or it has left the road.
New Hampshire residents and visitors love to see moose and enjoy sharing the state with these largest denizens of the forest. Make sure your moose encounters are safe for you and the moose: Brake for Moose – It could save your life!
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state’s fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. For more safety tips on avoiding moose collisions, visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Wildlife/brake_for_moose.htm.
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Trout Take Flight – to New Hampshire's Remote Ponds
CONCORD, N.H. – Trout literally took flight this month, as the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department delivered fingerling fish to some of the state's most remote waters. Every year in June, a helicopter hired by Fish and Game stocks remote ponds from Sunapee to Pittsburg. During this one-day event, which this year took place on June 13, some 48 remote New Hampshire ponds were stocked with brook trout fingerlings raised in Fish and Game's New Hampton Hatchery.
The stocking of remote ponds in the backcountry of New Hampshire provides a unique opportunity for anglers seeking a true wilderness experience. While the trout delivered during the current year by air are small, those stocked last June should have reached 5-6 inches in most areas, and 2-year-old fish may reach 12 inches or better.
"It’s time to grab your Float Tube
, a light-weight fly rod
and rubber boots
and pack a lunch for a day on a remote pond," said Fish and Game Hatcheries Supervisor Jason Smith. "Brook trout that were stocked last year should be well into their summer diets of mayflies. Evening trips in late June and early July can private dry fly enthusiasts one last great opportunity for catching fish on the surface. As we get into July, even these high elevation ponds will heat up enough to where many of the trout will seek thermal refuge in the deeper waters.”Serene, remote ponds not only produce beautiful brook trout with high catch rates, but also give the outdoor enthusiast an opportunity for wildlife viewing, hiking, camping or just simple solitude. Many of these remote ponds are located off popular hiking trails. As with any hiking excursion, be sure to follow hiking safety guidelines (visit http://www.hikesafe.com).
A few of these remote ponds are designated as “fly fishing only,” so be sure to check the regulations prior to your trip. For the list of remote ponds that are stocked, check the Fish and Game website at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/trout_aerial.html.
The aerial trout stocking program is made possible through fishing license sales and with assistance from the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire. To contribute to this effort, visit http://www.nhwildlifefoundation.org and designate your donation for aerial trout stocking.
For an exciting, in-depth look at the experience of aerial stocking, check out an Associated Press video from this year's helicopter trip at http://youtu.be/fFhnlvoCE08
and the accompanying story as it appeared in today’s Concord Monitor: http://www.concordmonitor.com/article/337527/state-uses-helicopters-to-stock-lakes-ponds.
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New Hampshire Swimming Holes and Waterfalls
New Hampshire Swimming Holes and Waterfalls
New Hampshire is home to 51 "official" swimming holes, according to swimmingholes.org, an online resource for your quest. And yes there is an app for that! Visit the swimmingholes.org site to download an Android app and mobile browser that points you to choice spots all over the US.
Looking for some motivation? Read about the "Top 5 New Hampshire Swimming Holes" according to Yahoo.com.
We did the some research work for you! Click here for a Google map that includes detailed directions to every swimming hole plus a few extra's.
Click here for New England Waterfalls, a website that has compiled a list of great waterfall swimming spots throughout the New England area.
Waterfalls of the White Mountains: 30 Hikes to 100 Waterfalls
by Bruce, Doreen and Daniel Bolnick is a great resource. 
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