June 2, 2016 at 4:42 pm
By Regional Wildlife Biologist Amanda DeMusz
[caption id="attachment_1537" align="alignleft" width="300"]
One of the smaller pools on the mainland in Compartment 1[/caption]
Butler Island, located in Ashland, is a small WMA of approximately 295 acres of Aroostook River floodplain and riparian area. The area is split into 2 compartments; the larger of the 2 compartments includes an 86 acre island referred to locally as Butler Island. Half of this island consists of
[caption id="attachment_1534" align="alignright" width="233"]
Moose tracks at water crossing[/caption]
grassland or reverting field, of which 15 acres is actively cultivated and managed for grassland plant species and habitat. The original parcel of land was purchased in 1989 (Compartment 1), with an additional 49 acres added in 1993 (Compartment 2). The WMA is surrounded by private land but foot access has been granted off the Goding road via a primitive gravel road which crosses an active rail line. Foot traffic only is allowed on the WMA due to sensitive wetland habitat. The WMA is also accessible by water on the Aroostook River.
Waterfowl and woodcock are the focus of management activities on this WMA. The area contains high quality wetland habitat for waterfowl with approximately half of the area flooding during early spring snowmelt. While some pools will dry late summer, several will retain water throughout the year and provide valuable feeding grounds for young and migrating waterfowl and wading birds. The island is also an active woodcock area, with its combination of old field, patches of alders, and hydric soils meeting the needs of this unique upland game bird.
Hunting, trapping, and wildlife viewing are allowed on the management area. Besides waterfowl and woodcock, keep your eyes open for moose, deer, beaver, muskrat, marsh birds, and songbirds that utilize the management area. If you want to access the island by foot, be sure to bring waders or be prepared to get your feet wet! The crossing between the island and mainland can vary in depth dramatically depending on the time of year but at low water it is well worth it!
[caption id="attachment_1533" align="aligncenter" width="500"]
Water crossing to island[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1535" align="aligncenter" width="691"]
Island Fields[/caption]
One of the smaller pools on the mainland in Compartment 1[/caption]
Butler Island, located in Ashland, is a small WMA of approximately 295 acres of Aroostook River floodplain and riparian area. The area is split into 2 compartments; the larger of the 2 compartments includes an 86 acre island referred to locally as Butler Island. Half of this island consists of
[caption id="attachment_1534" align="alignright" width="233"] Moose tracks at water crossing[/caption]
grassland or reverting field, of which 15 acres is actively cultivated and managed for grassland plant species and habitat. The original parcel of land was purchased in 1989 (Compartment 1), with an additional 49 acres added in 1993 (Compartment 2). The WMA is surrounded by private land but foot access has been granted off the Goding road via a primitive gravel road which crosses an active rail line. Foot traffic only is allowed on the WMA due to sensitive wetland habitat. The WMA is also accessible by water on the Aroostook River.
Waterfowl and woodcock are the focus of management activities on this WMA. The area contains high quality wetland habitat for waterfowl with approximately half of the area flooding during early spring snowmelt. While some pools will dry late summer, several will retain water throughout the year and provide valuable feeding grounds for young and migrating waterfowl and wading birds. The island is also an active woodcock area, with its combination of old field, patches of alders, and hydric soils meeting the needs of this unique upland game bird.
Hunting, trapping, and wildlife viewing are allowed on the management area. Besides waterfowl and woodcock, keep your eyes open for moose, deer, beaver, muskrat, marsh birds, and songbirds that utilize the management area. If you want to access the island by foot, be sure to bring waders or be prepared to get your feet wet! The crossing between the island and mainland can vary in depth dramatically depending on the time of year but at low water it is well worth it!
[caption id="attachment_1533" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Water crossing to island[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1535" align="aligncenter" width="691"] Island Fields[/caption]Categories