The Department of Natural Resources has been receiving numerous emails and phone calls regarding perceived problems or issues with the Bournedale Herring Run. Most of these complaints have centered around the Carter Beale Conservation Area on Bournedale Road. Please be aware that we regularly monitor the herring runs in Town all year long, and especially in the Spring during spawning season. This year, because of the extreme rainfall amounts, which set historical records in many areas, there is virtually no room to adjust water flow without causing flooding or even actual damage to the run. That being said, we'd like to address some points that have been made or questioned, as well as give explanations regarding the river configuration:

• At the Carter Beale Conservation Area, there is an earthen damn where the Herring River is split in two, with one side containing the fish ladders and the other side serving as a water overflow point for the dam.
   
• In 1695 a grist mill was established at the overflow area, and various mills continued to use this area through the 1700's & 1800's. The remnants that you see left there are from the old axe factory and saw mill that was there in the late 1800's.
   
• There is no way to completely shut down the overflow, as the water seeps through the rocks and surrounding ground and continues to flow. Additionally, the fish ladders are not designed to handle the entire water flow from the pond above.
   
• The water flow through the fish ladders must be maintained at a rate that will allow the fish to make it up the river to Great Herring Pond. In addition to the planks at the top of the ladder, the overflow helps us accomplish this.
   
• Regardless of how many fish are seen at the overflow, which generally range from a couple dozen to a couple hundred, they are a very small percentage of the entire spawning fish population. The vast majority of fish are heading upstream via the fish ladders.
   
• Not all fish make it up to the pond, and this is true of literally any fish run in the world. Also true is that some fish will die and be seen in the river. It does not mean there is anything wrong, it is a fact of life.
   
• Herring have been spawning for millions of years, long before man put ladders in place, and they will continue to do so. Even the fish that do not make it up to Great Herring Pond are most likely spawning in the river bed and lower pond, as both the water quality and bottom are good & conducive to spawning.
   
• For many years we have attempted to limit the number of fish in the overflow area by using wire, screens or mesh to stop their progress. The major problem with this is that it can cause the river to flood over and possibly cause property damage, especially if it becomes clogged.
   
• Additionally, back in the mid-1980's we extended the length of the fish ladder side of the stream through the use of gabions (wire cages filled with rocks), in an effort to direct the water flow out further into the lower pond and attract more fish to the ladder side of the run.
   
• The Town is presently applying for grant funding through the Cape Cod Water Resources Restoration Project for repairs and modifications to the Town's herring runs. There is an article on the warrant for the Town Meeting, which starts May 3, 2010, requesting funding for the 25% match that is required to receive the grant. Without these grant funds, there is very little money, if any, available to do such projects, and that has been the case for quite a few years now.
   

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Fishing & Hunting

State fresh water fishing & hunting licenses are sold at the Town Clerk's Office, in addition to the MassOutdoors Online Licensing & Registration System.  The State site also covers Recreational Lobster Permits, as well as ATV, boat & snowmobile registrations.  In addition to the Helpful Links listed in the right column, the following State links are also useful:

Hunting and Fishing Laws (Abstracts)

Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations

Trapping and Furbearer Regulations

Marine (Salt Water) Fishing and Shellfish Regulations

Recreational Salt Water Fishing License  (2010 - Now Required!)

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) would like to remind all Bay State residents about the importance vaccinating their pets against rabies and about ways to reduce the risk of animal bites and other potential rabies exposures. Rabies is a fatal disease for all mammals. According to Department of Public Health reports 128 raccoons, 21 skunks, 21 bats, 11 foxes, 9 cats, and 5 woodchucks tested positive for rabies in 2009.

Keeping vaccinations current on dogs, ferrets, and cats (including indoor cats) is crucial to rabies prevention and it’s also the law. Pets can act as a bridge between a rabid wild animal and a person, acquiring the virus through a bite and then bringing the virus into the household. The Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR), Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), as well as other animal, veterinary and public health organizations, are coordinating rabies vaccination clinics this Spring in communities across the Commonwealth. Vaccination costs vary, but all clinics strive to be affordable. For a list of participating communities, visit http://www.mass.gov/agr/animalhealth/rabies/vaccinationclinics.htm.

Rabies testing occurs when there is contact between a potentially rabid animal and a person or pet. Rabies has been documented in the majority of Massachusetts cities and towns, including Cape Cod. No part of the state is free from the risk of rabies.  Prevention and avoidance are important when dealing with wildlife. Raccoons and skunks are attracted to residential areas across the Commonwealth and capitalize on artificial food sources such as garbage, compost, gardens, bird feed and pet food. Skunks are particularly fond of white lawn grubs, the larvae of Japanese beetles. Many animals also take advantage of man-made shelter such as crawl spaces under garden sheds or decks, with raccoons frequently denning in chimneys and attics that are not capped or sealed. Refrain from using or installing pet doors as they also provide entry for wildlife. “Critter proof” your home by repairing screens, vents, capping chimneys and other areas where wildlife may gain access. By eliminating both artificial food sources and shelter, the chances of encountering raccoons and skunks around the home and yard will be greatly reduced.

If an animal inflicts a bite or scratch, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for 15 minutes and call a physician. If possible, capture the suspected animal with care and/or call your local Board of Health and Animal Control Officer for details on testing protocol. Use caution with a pet you suspect may have been in a fight with a wild animal. Handle the pet with gloves and contact a veterinarian.  If you find a bat inside your house in a room with a sleeping person, a previously unattended young child, someone who is mentally incapacitated, or a pet, capture the animal in a large coffee can and call your doctor and local public health officials. "A Homeowners Guide To Bats" pamphlet is available at District offices located in Dalton, Belchertown, West Boylston, Ayer and Bourne. For more information on rabies, visit the DPH website at: http://www.mass.gov/dph/rabies.