Baxter State Park The Ten Packing Essentials The beautiful color artwork in this issue of Wildnotes was donated by Wildnotes Pam Redick Photographs, clip art & illustrations are courtesy of B. Bray, J. Burch, L. Cordner, H. Cunningham, H. Hamilton, L. Hutson, D. Loome, M. Lovit, Maine Forest Service, K.J. Marsters, G. Mittelhauser, D. Morgan, L. Shapiro, J. Thomas, A. Megquire, B. White, A. Tripp, and E. Panzner. Text provided by Jensen Bissell, Jean Hoekwater, Acadia Tripp, Eben Sypitkowski, Georgia Manzo, Morgan Taylor, & Marcia Williamson. Layout & Design supplied by Dwight King- Snowman Group. Maps Produced by Eben Sypitkowski and Dee George. Before Casting for The Big One! Whether you seek an afternoon of fly-fishing on Kidney Pond, a gentle introduction to fishing for your grandchild with bonus moose sightings or the thrill of fishing a pond or stream a full day’s hike from the car, fishing is a primary activity for many Park visitors! Be sure to check fishing regulations as they vary throughout the Park. A copy of the State of Maine Open Water Fishing Regulations can be downloaded from the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website—www. maine.gov/ifw or check with a Ranger regarding which bodies of water are general law or fly fishing only and what other restrictions may apply. Park Headquarters, gatehouses and ranger stations have the handout “Baxter State Park Fisheries- Surveyed Waters with Fish” which will give you a better idea of pond size and fish you will find there. Please remember: • To help maintain the native brook trout and salmon populations, the use or possession of live fish as bait is prohibited, except as noted in the State of Maine Open Water Fishing Regulations. One spilled bucket of live fish could establish a self-reproducing population that could affect the future of native species. • Motorboats are prohibited except on Matagamon and Webster Lakes. Motorboats of 10 horsepower or less are allowed on Upper and Lower Togue Ponds. • Boats, equipment and gear- The water quality and wild brook trout of Baxter State Park depend on you! Maine law requires boaters to take all necessary precautions to avoid spreading aquatic invasives. All personal gear, equipment and gear should be cleaned properly at home before entering Baxter State Park. This includes waders, wading shoes, kayak rudders, PFD’s, floats, paddles, etc. Please call (207) 723-8537 if you have any questions on this. • Salt Water Bucket Cleaning Stations – Help prevent the spread of Didymo or “Rock Snot” by using the salt water bucket cleaning stations at the Visitor Center, Gatehouses or any of the roadside campgrounds. It is an easy and quick way to clean fishing gear and clothing when going from one body of water to another. Create your own salt water bucket and carry it with you to use before and after fishing. Didymo thrives in cool fast moving mountain streams. Even though Didymo has yet to be detected in Maine, it is good to assume that any body of water could have Didymo. • The open water fishing season is from April 1-September 30, except from August 16-September 30, rivers, brooks and streams are restricted to artificial lures only and the total bag limit for salmon, trout and togue is one fish. • When cleaning fish, if the fish have been taken from that pond, please dispose of the entrails in deep water offshore for nutrient recycling of the fish parts. These will be rapidly consumed by minnows, crayfish and other fish. If fishing from shore, either throw the entrails at least 20 feet off-shore, carry them out in your carry out litter bag or dig a cathole at least 200 feet from water, campsite or trail and bury the entrails. If cleaning the fish back at camp away from the body of water it was caught in, either carry out the entrails or bury them as described previously. Fish entrails, as with other food, will not completely burn in a fire pit and will attract animals, as well as leave an unsightly fire pit for the next visitor. For these reasons, please do not attempt to burn them in the fire pit. • Special considerations for anglers—Be sure to carry out monofilament line, as it is not biodegradable and an animal or bird might become fatally entangled, avoid lead sinkers to prevent the death of loons and other waterfowl due to lead poisoning and carry out bait cups and unused bait. • For safety, children 10 or under are required to WEAR a Type I, II or III PFD in all watercraft. • Need to buy a license? State of Maine fishing licenses are sold at Matagamon Gatehouse and all Ranger Stations. Maine residents under 16 years of age and nonresidents under 12 years of age may fish without a license. • Ask the Rangers about canoe rentals on many ponds within the Park, some are roadside and many provide a solitary fishing experience on a remote pond requiring a short hike. Enjoy Fishing in Baxter State Park and thank you for helping preserve and protect all bodies of water in the Park. Leave No Trace Principle #1: Plan Ahead and Prepare - Learn about the area before you visit including weather, terrain and BSP rules and regulations. 12 1. Map: Carry a topographical map, know your route, and plan alternatives for bad weather. 2. Compass: Combined with a map, a compass is an important tool to carry in the Park—just in case you become lost or disoriented on the trail. Cautious hikers should always bring a compass and know how to use it! 3. Extra Food and Water: Always carry water—at least two quarts per person when climbing any mountain. Trailside springs are unreliable, including those marked on maps of Katahdin. The only water available inside the Park is from open, unprotected sources and should always be filtered or treated for your safety. High energy food, such as candy, nuts, dried fruit, and granola bars provides extra calories and will keep your body energized throughout the day. 4. Flashlight or Headlamp: Plan hikes with the intention of finishing in the daylight and set a turnaround time. All hikers must carry a working flashlight as a precaution; please see BSP Rule 2.2. Lighting from your phone will not last long enough to qualify as a flashlight. 5. First Aid Kit: Pack first aid supplies for your hike, including moleskin, bandaids, disinfecting ointment, ace bandages, ibuprofen/acetaminophen, an emergency blanket, and other supplies that you think are important. If buying a pre-assembled kit, look through it before hiking to know what you have and how to use it! Blisters are one of the most common problems and can get infected quickly. 6. Extra Clothing: Pack synthetic clothing that wicks moisture, dries quickly, and will keep you warm, such as fleece or wool. Always remember to include your wind and rain gear too. 7. Sun Protection: Pack sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. 8. Matches or Firestarter: Store matches in a waterproof container and carry a firestarter in case of emergency. 9. Whistle: A signal whistle should be carried in case of emergency. A whistle will be louder and last longer than your vocal chords. 10. Pocket Knife: Carrying a pocket knife is always useful and serves many purposes, but is also an essential tool to have in case of emergency. Other Considerations: • Sturdy Footwear: Trails are rocky and footing can be difficult. For your safety, please ensure that your footwear is adequate. • Cell Phone: Although cell phones are a valuable wilderness tool for emergency communication, please remember to keep it turned off and stowed in your pack. • Litter Bag: Litter bags are provided at each ranger station for your convenience. Please remember to Leave No Trace and pack out all waste. • Extra Batteries: For your headlamp or flashlight. • Signaling Device: A small mirror can be used to signal rescuers in case of emergency. • Bug Repellent • GPS Unit • Parachute cord These packing suggestions will help you to have a safe and enjoyable hike. Always remember that the most important item to bring with you into Baxter State Park is your own common sense! The packing essentials will be of little value to you without the proper knowledge and understanding of each item.
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