The Brook Trout Survey Project needs your help. We still need adventurous anglers to explore 25 new ponds from our survey list before the end of September.
The Brook Trout Survey Project recruits volunteer anglers to identify previously undocumented wild brook trout populations in remote Maine ponds. Maine brook trout are a special resource, and we need to know where they are before we can protect and manage them appropriately. The information collected by volunteer anglers, verified by biologists, will help inform future fisheries management decisions.
Because it is critical we learn about the trout population in these ponds, we are offering a special incentive as the season winds down. Each angler who volunteers to survey a new pond in this final push will be entered into a drawing to win one of the following prizes from Maine Audubon (supported by a state wildlife grant):
Grand Prize: A new float tube! What better way is there to explore a remote pond with comfort and ease? This high-quality, high-comfort float tube from Classic Accessories is valued at $180 and has many convenient features.
Second Place: A deluxe fly-tying kit! Tying your own flies in the off season is a great way to prepare for when the fish are biting! This fly-tying kit includes many tools for the best fly-tying experience.
Third Place: A new chest pack! Carry your flies and gear with ease in this convenient chest pack.
We will also award prizes for a number of other achievements:
- Most ponds surveyed by one person
- Person with the longest bushwhack/hike to a pond
- Parent/child survey team
- Largest survey team
- Most interesting wildlife sighting during survey
Plus, thanks to a donation from two very generous volunteers, Ret and Karen Talbot, the first 25 volunteers to submit new pond surveys that help us reach our goal will receive a matted 8 x 10″ Brook Trout print painted by Karen Talbot (shown above).
In order to receive the print, or be entered in the prize drawing, I must have your survey in my email inbox or in my hands by October 17. If you submit your survey after October 17, you will not be eligible for prizes.
Up for the adventure? Contact Trout Survey Project Coordinator Leah Bevins at lbevins@maineaudubon.org or 207-781-2330 x207. Or get started today by going to our project website (where you will find survey forms, FAQs, a map of survey ponds in Google Earth and more!): www.tumaine.org/brooktrout.htm
