Search by SGCN

Use the table below to search for State Wildlife Action Plan information on conservation actions and stressors for at-risk species (referred to as ‘Species of Greatest Conservation Need’ or ‘SGCN’). Please note that conservation actions were not developed for all SGCN individually. Please use the ‘Families’ search table for these species. Additional cross-species and programmatic actions can be found in Element 4 of the Action Plan.

Scientific Name Common Name Priority Conservation Actions Stressors
Alosa pseudoharengus Alewife 2
  1. Update current and historical habitat maps representing spawning locations for alewife and blueback herring.;
  2. Continue collecting biological samples to understand how age distribution, length at age, and repeat spawning ratios differ between long-term, recently restored, and rebuilding runs;
  3. Identify priority locations for connectivity restoration and work with municipalities, local groups, and state and federal partners to restore access to historical habitat or improve access at partial barriers.;
  4. Increase understanding of fish passage efficiency in different fish passage designs including pool and weir, nature-like, Denil, and Alaskan steeppass;
  5. Monitor multiple life stages of river herring to understand which stages may be experiencing high mortality
  
Anguilla rostrata American Eel 2
  1. Improve downstream passage efficiency
  • Dams and Water Management-Use
Arrhoges occidentalis American Pelican Foot 2
  1. Education to increase awareness of how the shell trade can reduce the economic value of natural systems.
  
Alosa sapidissima American Shad 1
  1. Conduct fishway efficiency studies that focus on shad passage at existing fishways;
  2. Conduct population estimates for Saco, Androscoggin, Kennebec/Sebasticook, and Penobscot rivers;
  3. Determine locations beyond those regularly monitored where American shad passage may be limited by human-made obstructions;
  4. Ground-truth assumed current spawning habitat state-wide;
  5. Increase access to historical spawning habitat through effective fish passage or dam removal;
  6. Map young-of-year habitat based on existing beach seine and in-river trawl surveys in the Kennebec River/Merrymeeting Bay estuary complex and Penobscot River;
  7. Monitor water chemistry (DO, turbidity, pH, temperature, conductivity) at known spawning grounds during May-July
  
Salvelinus alpinus oquassa Arctic Charr 1
  1. Assess population status at each location where the species is present;
  2. Assess the influence that rainbow smelt may have on charr populations;
  3. Assess the utilization of charr by recreational anglers, including harvest rates and the attitudes of participating anglers;
  4. Identify key aquatic habitats such as spawning sites and coordinate protection with federal, state, or NGOs and willing private landowners;
  5. Identify key terrestrial habitats connected or adjacent to aquatic habitats that are essential to maintaining viability of populations;
  6. Investigate and describe all life history and life cycle requirements of each population to provide for maximum protection of each population;
  7. Monitor the fish assemblage of each lake, in particular the existence of invasive species
  • Agricultural and Forestry Effluents;
  • Air-Bourne Pollutants;
  • Dams and Water Management-Use;
  • Housing and Urban Areas;
  • Invasive Non-native-Alien Species-Diseases;
  • Problematic Species-Diseases of Unknown Origin;
  • Temperature Extremes;
  • Tourism and Recreational Areas
Salmo salar Atlantic Salmon 1
  1. Continue to assess the causes of the precipitous decline in Atlantic salmon returning to Maine waters.;
  2. Continue to collaborate with NOAA on the Atlantic Salmon Recovery Framework and all recovery activities.;
  3. Continue to monitor the abundance and status of juvenile and adult salmon throughout the geographic range of the GOM DPS.;
  4. Further develop the habitat restoration and connectivity program for Atlantic salmon.
  
Acipenser oxyrinchus Atlantic Sturgeon 1
  1. Characterize intersystem movements of shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon (e.g., which systems used, paths taken, timing and duration of movements).;
  2. Determine feeding habitat and trophic position of shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon in each system;
  3. Determine sex and stage of maturity of shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon;
  4. Estimate current population size of shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon in major river systems in Maine.;
  5. Investigate possibility of shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon scute elemental analysis as indicator of river of origin
  
Riparia riparia Bank Swallow 1
  1. Develop Best Managament Practices for gravel pit operators and for reclamation of abandoned pits;
  2. Gather more information on the influence of Neonoctinoid (systemic) pesticides on populations of aerial insectivores.;
  3. Investigate limiting factors and what determines suitable habitat
  • Agricultural and Forestry Effluents;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Mining and Quarrying
Dipturus laevis Barndoor Skate 2
  1. Determine the location and timing of important habitat use at different life history stages;
  2. Develop an improved understanding of discard mortality rates;
  3. Update life history data across species range
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources
Catharus bicknelli Bicknell's Thrush 1
  1. Assess the effects of calcium depletion on reproductive ecology;
  2. Assess the effects of climate change on habitat loss, occupancy, and predicted range shift.;
  3. Determine how this species responds to specific forestry practices on the landscape.;
  4. Encourage land managers to rotate harvests and create a mixed distribution of stand ages, which might undergo pre-commercial thinning and cutting at different times, thus temporally balancing the amount of habitat available at a given time.;
  5. Encourage landowners to manage the amount and timing of pre-commercial thinning in areas occupied by this species, and to leave residual patches in areas that are thinned;
  6. For suitable/occupied habitat on public lands (BPL) incorporate stand management BMPs into public land management policy.;
  7. Participate in work of International Bicknell's Thrush Conservation Group (IBTCG) to track progress on conservation and research actions, discuss funding needs and revise the action plan as appropriate to ensure that emerging information is used to inform groups working to conserve Bicknells Thrush across its range and to strengthen links among these groups.;
  8. Support Mountain Birdwatch 2.0, an international, volunteer-based program to track Bicknells Thrush populations across their breeding range.;
  9. Work to ensure that developments at high elevation that entail land clearing, specifically permanent conversion of forest to non-forest (road, gravel, grass) avoid areas occupied by Bicknell's Thrush
  • Air-Bourne Pollutants;
  • Habitat Shifting or Alteration;
  • Renewable Energy
Stagnicola mighelsi Bigmouth Pondsnail 1
  1. Develop an improved understanding of habitat and movement ecology to help develop Best Management Practices and other targeted species conservation actions;
  2. Examine effects water quality changes from residential and agricultural pollutant and nutrient runoff on bigmouth pondsnail populations
  • Dams and Water Management-Use;
  • Domestic and Urban Waste Water;
  • Lack of knowledge
Nycticorax nycticorax Black-crowned Night-heron 2
  1. Determine whether prefledging success and productivity rates are contributing to declining numbers;
  2. Develop outreach program to educate landowners and recreational users about black-crowned night herons' breeding habitat requirements and sensitivity to disturbance.;
  3. Implement targeted surveys to better understand the distribution and status of this species and to help direct conservation actions to newly documented populations;
  4. In cooperation with landowners and partners, develop and post signs at colonies encouraging users to keep a wide berth during nesting.;
  5. Investigate effect of aerial predators (gulls, crows, eagles) on nesting success.
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Recreational Activities
Emydoidea blandingii Blanding's Turtle 1
  1. Continue the cautionary road crossing signage program, and expand the number of locations with signs as additional road crossing hotspots are identified.;
  2. Continue to build public awareness of risks posed by roadways with seasonally appropriate press release that also warns motorists to be on the lookout for turtles during spring/early summer.;
  3. Cooperate with University of Maine and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to research and implement a voluntary Special Area Management Program (SAMP) by towns that want greater flexibility in the implementation of Significant Vernal Pool rules in designated growth areas.;
  4. Identify potential road crossing hotspots using GIS and monitor mortality at those locations with road surveys to prioritize the most problematic road segments for mitigation measures such as cautionary signage, exclusionary fencing, and under-road passages.;
  5. Install road crossing structures consisting of under-road passageways and guidance fencing where high-mortality road segments bisect habitat that hosts high priority populations;
  6. Manage and where necessary create nesting habitat to improve viability of high-priority Blanding's turtle populations;
  7. Research and coordinate the development of a publically available Potential Vernal Pool map product that covers the entire State, or at least all organized townships
  • Commercial and Industrial Areas ;
  • Housing and Urban Areas;
  • Roads and Railroads
Alosa aestivalis Blueback Herring 1
  1. Update current and historical habitat maps representing spawning locations for alewife and blueback herring.;
  2. Continue collecting biological samples to understand how age distribution, length at age, and repeat spawning ratios differ between long-term, recently restored, and rebuilding runs;
  3. Identify priority locations for connectivity restoration and work with municipalities, local groups, and state and federal partners to restore access to historical habitat or improve access at partial barriers.;
  4. Increase understanding of fish passage efficiency in different fish passage designs including pool and weir, nature-like, Denil, and Alaskan steeppass;
  5. Monitor multiple life stages of river herring to understand which stages may be experiencing high mortality
  
Ambystoma laterale Blue-spotted Salamander 2
  1. Cooperate with University of Maine and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to research and implement a voluntary Special Area Management Program (SAMP) by towns that want greater flexibility in the implementation of Significant Vernal Pool rules in designated growth areas.;
  2. Develop an improved understanding of habitat and movement ecology to help develop Best Management Practices and other targeted species conservation actions;
  3. Pure diploid (and non-hybrid) populations of Ambystoma laterale are believed to be rare in Maine and throughout their range. Systematic tissue sampling is needed to document the extent and distribution of all genotypes within the species complex, with a focus on identifying cryptic diploid populations requiring potential targeted conservation attention.;
  4. Research and coordinate the development of a publically available Potential Vernal Pool map product that covers the entire State, or at least all organized townships
  • Housing and Urban Areas;
  • Lack of knowledge
Alasmidonta varicosa Brook Floater 1
  1. Develop and implement a systematic protocol for monitoring population size, demographics, and trends.
  • Lack of knowledge
Lynx canadensis Canada Lynx 2
  1. As necessary, reduce take through outreach and education and/or regulatory changes;
  2. Conduct genomic research to assess whether Maine's lynx are genetically distint from other populations in North America or function as part of a larger metapopulation to direct conservation efforts.;
  3. Conduct research to identify the range of habitats that can support lynx;
  4. Continue to track lynx sightings, vehicle strikes and other incidental or illegal take;
  5. Develop Forest Management Guidelines/Recommendations for distribution to cooperative landowners and forest management community.;
  6. Develop and implement a systematic protocol for monitoring population size and trends;
  7. Map road crossing mortalities using GIS and and prioritize the most problematic road segments. This information would be available to partners (e.g. MDOT) to assess if mitigation measures such as cautionary signage, exclusionary fencing, under-road passage should be considered.;
  8. Monitor distribution, population trend or status through periodic surveys;
  9. Provide assistance to the USFWS on developing a Post-Delisting Monitoring Plan;
  10. Work with cooperators to map the distribution of spruce/fir forest and their successional stages to monitor changes in abundance and distribution.
  
Lycaena dorcas claytoni Clayton's Copper 2
  1. Conduct selective thinning at sites where forest canopy is encroaching and shading out host plant stands.;
  2. Develop and implement a systematic protocol for monitoring population size, demographics, and trends.;
  3. Prepare a statewide atlas and conservation assessment.
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Other Threat
Cicindela marginipennis Cobblestone Tiger Beetle 1
  1. Develop an improved understanding of habitat and movement ecology to help develop Best Management Practices and other targeted species conservation actions
  • Lack of knowledge
Plebejus idas empetri Crowberry Blue 2
  1. Prepare a statewide atlas and conservation assessment.
  • Lack of knowledge
Erora laeta Early Hairstreak 2
  1. Prepare a statewide atlas and conservation assessment.
  • Lack of knowledge
Sturnella magna Eastern Meadowlark 2
  1. Improve habitat quality and abundance.;
  2. Stabilize then reverse the declining trend.
  • Commercial and Industrial Areas ;
  • Habitat Shifting or Alteration;
  • Housing and Urban Areas;
  • Livestock Farming and Ranching;
  • Tourism and Recreational Areas
Thamnophis sauritus Eastern Ribbon Snake 2
  1. Cooperate with University of Maine and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to research and implement a voluntary Special Area Management Program (SAMP) by towns that want greater flexibility in the implementation of Significant Vernal Pool rules in designated growth areas.;
  2. Develop an improved understanding of habitat and movement ecology to help develop Best Management Practices and other targeted species conservation actions
  • Housing and Urban Areas;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Logging and Wood Harvesting
Satyrium edwardsii Edwards' Hairstreak 2
  1. Prepare a statewide atlas and conservation assessment.
  • Lack of knowledge
Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle 2
  1. Conduct migration and use surveys associated with wind development projects.;
  2. Educate trappers on the proper response to incidental trapping of Golden Eagles, such as handling or appropriate contact information.;
  3. Limit exposure to lead and other toxins such as rodenticide through supporting use of alternatives (e.g. non-lead ammunition).;
  4. Monitor the prevalence of environmental contaminants through sampling Bald Eagles as a surrogate for Golden Eagles.;
  5. Prevent seasonal disturbances within 1/4 mile of occupied nests;
  6. Work with Conservation Partners to ensure that Golden Eagle sightings and suspected nest locations are reported to MDMDIFW.;
  7. Work with landowners and the forest products industry to ensure that within 1/8 mile of nests, forestry activities occur during the non-nesting season, and that the structural character of the area is maintained.
  • Agricultural and Forestry Effluents;
  • Hunting and Collecting Terrestrial Animals;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Recreational Activities;
  • Renewable Energy;
  • Work and Other Activities
Ammodramus savannarum Grasshopper Sparrow 1
  1. Assess effects of past and present management practices at the Kennebunk Plains by comparing with longterm population data by management unit over time;
  2. Conduct landscape analysis to determine potential for other sites for this species, what management would be necessary, and current ownership;
  3. Conduct research on population status, productivity levels, and limiting factors at indiv sites, and use this information to update a Population Viability Analysis;
  4. Contact landowners at formerly occupied (Wells, Sanford) and potential sites (near Poland) to examine opportunities for habitat enhancement and management of species.;
  5. Continue to monitor populations at Kennebunk Plains and the former Naval Air Station in Brunswick;
  6. Expand monitoring effort to other potential or previously occupied sites (Sanford Airport, Wells Barrens, Poland Spring fields);
  7. Maintain known nesting areas in native grasses, little bluestem, or low-growing shrubs like lowbush blueberry and prevent conversion to other land uses;
  8. Restore old gravel pits and agricultural fields to grasslands and low shrubs;
  9. Work with landowners to prevent livestock grazing on known nesting fields during the critical nesting period (May 1-August 5)
  • Commercial and Industrial Areas ;
  • Fire and Fire Suppression;
  • Housing and Urban Areas;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Livestock Farming and Ranching;
  • Recreational Activities;
  • Tourism and Recreational Areas
Ardea herodias Great Blue Heron 2
  1. Develop a population estimate and methods for detecting trends in the statewide population.
  • Lack of knowledge
Phalacrocorax carbo Great Cormorant 1
  1. Initiate annual surveys and evaluate factors which limit population growth.;
  2. Reduce the impact of bald eagle predation wherever possible
  • Problematic Native Species-Diseases
Aythya marila Greater Scaup 2
  1. Continue monitoring through the mid-winter waterfowl survey;
  2. Include species occurrence maps in oil spill response plans;
  3. Install signage at boat ramps
  • Hunting and Collecting Terrestrial Animals;
  • Industrial and Military Effluents;
  • Recreational Activities
Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis Green Sea Urchin 2
  1. Assess the feasibility and advantages of local or area species management approaches;
  2. Conduct research to support stock assessment and population dynamics modeling;
  3. Design and encourage the use of more size-selective fishing gear;
  4. Determine the feasibility of reseeding programs;
  5. Determine the relative roles of natural predation, fishing mortality, and climate change in stock dynamics;
  6. Monitor stock status through surveys and sampling programs;
  7. Support community engagement in developing a fisheries management plan
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources
Phocoena phocoena Harbor Porpoise 2
  1. Continue to work with the fishing industry to develop gear modifications that reduce the risk of entanglement and conduct outreach on gear best practices to use
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources
Histrionicus histrionicus Harlequin Duck 1
  1. Continue to survey and map wintering sites for Oil Spill contingency planning. Work with industry to locate shipping lanes away from important wintering areas.;
  2. Continue to work with the Maine Department of Marine Resources to coordinate macroalgae harvest in important wintering sites and determine the level of impact on wintering birds;
  3. Gain a better understanding of the extent and impacts of algae harvesting on wintering Harlequin Ducks. Conduct longterm monitoring of ecosystem-wide impacts of cutting algae to determine potential impacts to Harlequin habitats and invertebrate prey base.;
  4. Provide hunter education and identification tips to avoid accidental take of Harlequins;
  5. Provide outreach to recreationalists, including bird watcher,s regarding disturbance to harlequins
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources;
  • Hunting and Collecting Terrestrial Animals;
  • Industrial and Military Effluents;
  • Recreational Activities
Callophrys hesseli Hessel's Hairstreak 1
  1. Conduct a comprehensive review of silvicultural effects on Atlantic White Cedar habitat (e.g., regeneration, composition, structure);
  2. Develop Forestry Species Management Guidelines for distribution to cooperative landowners and forest management community.
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Logging and Wood Harvesting
Limulus polyphemus Horseshoe Crab 1
  1. Identify areas where degraded water quality may adversely impact horseshoe crabs;
  2. Conduct surveys to monitor and better understand distribution and abundance;
  3. Encourage use of selective fishing gear that minimizes bycatch and impacts to habitat.;
  4. Promote research to fill data gaps and inform managers;
  5. Purchase or protect undeveloped shoreline and adjacent areas that is known or potential habitat for horseshoe crab
  • Domestic and Urban Waste Water;
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources;
  • Housing and Urban Areas
Callophrys gryneus Juniper Hairstreak 2
  1. Prepare a statewide atlas and conservation assessment.;
  2. Research host tree regeneration ecology and develop site restoration management strategies for distribution to cooperative landowners.
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Other Ecosystem Modifications
Oeneis polixenes katahdin Katahdin Arctic 1
  1. Prepare a statewide atlas and conservation assessment.;
  2. Work with BSP and MNAP to develop tundra habitat monitoring procedures for assessing potential impacts from off-trail recreation.;
  3. Work with Baxter State Park to develop species monitoring protocols that are robust enough to detect potential trends in population size.
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Recreational Activities
Sternula antillarum Least Tern 1
  1. Comply with and update existing Essential Habitat regulation,s requiring all projects funded, permitted, or carried out by a municipality or state agency to be reviewed by MDIFW.;
  2. Continue current management activities including: stake and twine symbolic fencing around nesting areas, exclosures around colonies, posting signage to identify nesting areas, and locating and monitoring nesting pairs.;
  3. Continue efforts to annually monitor abundance, distribution, and productivity.;
  4. Continue efforts to educate beach recreationalists, landowners and municipal officials regarding ecology and life history requirements.;
  5. Continue efforts to recruit and provide training sessions for volunteer beach monitors.;
  6. Continue targeted management of native and nonnative predators at nesting and brood rearing areas, including lethal and nonlethal methods;
  7. Develop long-term, non-regulatory habitat protection via management agreements or conservation easements.;
  8. Identify and prioritize nesting and foraging areas for oil spill contingency planning.
  • Habitat Shifting or Alteration;
  • Industrial and Military Effluents;
  • Invasive Non-native-Alien Species-Diseases;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Other Ecosystem Modifications;
  • Problematic Native Species-Diseases;
  • Recreational Activities;
  • Tourism and Recreational Areas
Tringa flavipes Lesser Yellowlegs 1
  1. Survey inland wetlands to identify and map important inland staging areas.;
  2. To determine if recent population declines are due to impacts occurring in Maine, conduct research to: identify food quality and quantity at lesser yellowleg staging areas;
  3. assess premigration body condition;
  4. length of stay;
  5. other potential limiting factors.
  • Housing and Urban Areas;
  • Lack of knowledge
Ammodramus nelsoni Nelson's Sparrow 2
  1. Assess whether Mercury is a problem at marshes across Maine and whether certain marshes pose a higher risk;
  2. Determine the relative impacts of point source (landfills) vs non-point source (atmospheric) contamination by Mercury on post-fledgling survival;
  3. Develop BMPs for use with municipalities to maximize buffers around saltmarshes and minimize effects of ongoing commercial and residential development;
  4. Develop a long-term monitoring program which allows for evaluation of effects of human perturbations, natural changes to habitat and management actions to reverse/mitigate such actions.;
  5. Investigate what role, if any, non-native invasive species have in habitat loss or reduction in habitat quality. Determine mitigation measures appropriate for Maine saltmarshes.
  • Air-Bourne Pollutants;
  • Domestic and Urban Waste Water;
  • Habitat Shifting or Alteration;
  • Housing and Urban Areas;
  • Industrial and Military Effluents;
  • Invasive Non-native-Alien Species-Diseases;
  • Storms and Flooding
Sylvilagus transitionalis New England Cottontail 1
  1. Conduct a captive breeding program following guidance in the New England Cottontail Conservation Strategy;
  2. Conduct active restoration of early-successional brushy habitat on both private and public lands in southern Maine, and monitor the success of habitat restoration using methodologies identified in the Rangewide Conservation Strategy;
  3. Ecosystem effects of white-tailed deer densities should be included as one of the parameters used to set deer management goals in southern Maine. New England cottontail and other species dependent on shruby early successional habitat would benefit from this consideration.;
  4. Improve public perception of the value of early successional habitat following guidance in the New England Cottontail Conservation Strategy;
  5. Monitor released individuals from the captive breeding program using radio telemetry to determine survival and use of landscape. Alternatively, populations may be monitored using mark-recapture techniques that rely on genotype;
  6. Restore early successional habitat in southern Maine following guidance in the New England Cottontail Conservation Strategy
  • Other Ecosystem Modifications;
  • Problematic Native Species-Diseases
Coluber constrictor constrictor Northern Black Racer 1
  1. Identify potential road crossing hotspots using GIS and monitor mortality at those locations with road surveys to prioritize the most problematic road segments for mitigation measures such as cautionary signage, exclusionary fencing, and under-road passages.;
  2. Manage black racer habitat to improve and expand upon habitat that is available where populations occur.
  • Fire and Fire Suppression;
  • Other Ecosystem Modifications;
  • Roads and Railroads
Plebejus idas Northern Blue 2
  1. Prepare a statewide atlas and conservation assessment.;
  2. Prepare occurrence maps and pesticide spray consultation guidelines for rare Lepidoptera and distribute to strategic partners including Maine Bureau of Pesticides Control.
  • Agricultural and Forestry Effluents;
  • Lack of knowledge
Synaptomys borealis sphagnicola Northern Bog Lemming 1
  1. Develop a policy where the Maine Forest Service or LURC would notify IFW of forest management plans where cutting was planned on high elevation sites (above 2,700 feet);
  2. Develop a technique to identify northern bog lemmings using e-DNA found in small water bodies associated with alpine sites
  • Logging and Wood Harvesting;
  • Renewable Energy
Storeria dekayi dekayi Northern Brownsnake 2
  1. Implement targeted professional surveys to better understand the distribution and status of this species and to help direct conservation actions to newly documented populations
  • Lack of knowledge
Myotis septentrionalis Northern Long-eared Myotis 1
  1. Implement, and where appropriate modify, curtailment procedures to reduce mortality associated with wind turbines.
  
Pandalus borealis Northern Shrimp 1
  1. Design and encourage the use of more size-selective fishing gear;
  2. Conduct research to support stock assessment and population dynamics modeling;
  3. Determine the relative roles of natural predation, fishing mortality, and climate change in stock dynamics;
  4. Monitor stock status through surveys and sampling programs
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources
Cucumaria frondosa Orange-footed Sea Cucumber 2
  1. Assess the feasibility and advantages of local or area species management approaches;
  2. Conduct research to support management, including stock assessments, e.g. development of predation, reproduction, growth and aging data and habitat mapping;
  3. Design and encourage the use of more size-selective fishing gear;
  4. Monitor stock status through surveys and sampling programs;
  5. Support community engagement in developing a fisheries management plan
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon 1
  1. Develop an information pamphlet and website content focused on the importance of hikers and rock climbers limiting disturbance to nesting peregrines.;
  2. Encourage voluntary trail closures until five weeks after the last bird has fledged;
  3. Maintain large trees and snags in areas where peregrines nest and feed.;
  4. Monitor historic and current nesting locations;
  5. Prevent seasonal disturbances within 1/4 mile of occupied nests;
  6. Protect wetlands, especially intertidal mudflats, estuaries, and coastal marshes from filling, development, or other disturbance that could alter prey abundance and habitat quality;
  7. Route powerlines and other wires away from eyeries to avoid collisions and electrocution hazards;
  8. Sample fledgling and rehabilitated adult blood and feathers to gain insight into prevalence of PCB's, PBDE's, mercury, and lead.;
  9. Use voluntary agreements, conservation easements, conservation tax abatements and incentives and acquisition to protect important habitats.;
  10. Work with landowners to reduce seasonal disturbances within 1/4 mile of occupied nests;
  11. Work with landowners to reduce the application of pesticides around occupied eyeries during the nesting season
  • Commercial and Industrial Areas ;
  • Housing and Urban Areas;
  • Industrial and Military Effluents;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Logging and Wood Harvesting;
  • Recreational Activities;
  • Utility and Service Lines
Zanclognatha martha Pine Barrens Zanclognatha 1
  1. Develop and implement a systematic protocol for monitoring population size, demographics, and trends.
  • Lack of knowledge
Charadrius melodus Piping Plover 1
  1. Comply with and update existing Essential Habitat regulation,s requiring all projects funded, permitted, or carried out by a municipality or state agency to be reviewed by MDIFW.;
  2. Conduct intensive predator management including lethal and nonlethal removal of native and nonnative predators from nesting and brood rearing areas.;
  3. Continue current management activities including: stake and twine symbolic fencing around nesting areas, exclosures around nests, posting signage to identify nesting areas, and locating and monitoring nesting pairs.;
  4. Continue efforts to annually monitor abundance, distribution, and productivity.;
  5. Continue efforts to educate beach recreationalists, landowners and municipal officials regarding ecology and life history requirements.;
  6. Continue efforts to recruit and provide training sessions for volunteer beach monitors.;
  7. Develop long-term, non-regulatory habitat protection via management agreements or conservation easements.;
  8. Identify and prioritize nesting and foraging areas for oil spill contingency planning.
  • Habitat Shifting or Alteration;
  • Industrial and Military Effluents;
  • Invasive Non-native-Alien Species-Diseases;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Other Ecosystem Modifications;
  • Problematic Native Species-Diseases;
  • Recreational Activities;
  • Storms and Flooding;
  • Tourism and Recreational Areas
Lamna nasus Porbeagle 2
  1. Determine the location and timing of important habitat use at different life history stages;
  2. Develop an improved understanding of discard mortality rates;
  3. Identify methods to reduce incidental bycatch by recreational anglers
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources
Boloria chariclea grandis Purple Lesser Fritillary 2
  1. Develop Forestry Species Management Guidelines for distribution to cooperative landowners and forest management community.;
  2. Prepare a statewide atlas and conservation assessment.;
  3. Prepare occurrence maps and pesticide spray consultation guidelines for rare Lepidoptera and distribute to strategic partners including Maine Bureau of Pesticides Control.
  • Agricultural and Forestry Effluents;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Logging and Wood Harvesting
Progne subis Purple Martin 2
  1. Conduct an inventory of breeding colonies, possibly using eBird.;
  2. Increase public awareness of the Purple Martin Conservation Association and its activities;
  3. Promote the registration of existing colonies through Purple Martin Conservation Association;
  4. Provide support or otherwise increase awareness of the mentor program for Purple Martin colony landlords consistent with efforts of the Purple Martin Conservation Association;
  5. Support Project Martinwatch, a weekly nest monitoring program, through Purple Martin Conservation Association;
  6. Support Purple Martin Nest Cavity Research Project which uses mini martin cams to monitor nestling development and engage volunteers;
    7. consider a live web cam;
  7. Support Scout Arrival Study, monitoring of arrival times, through Purple Martin Conservation Association;
  8. Support further development, and increase awareness of, existing BMPs for purple martin colony management in concert with Purple Martin Conservation Association
  • Habitat Shifting or Alteration;
  • Lack of knowledge
Calidris maritima Purple Sandpiper 1
  1. Continue annual long term monitoring plan to determine if the Purple Sandpiper population is in severe decline. Combine annual survey with a coastwide survey to be conducted every 5 years.;
  2. Continue to survey and map wintering sites for Oil Spill contingency planning. Work with industry to locate shipping lanes away from important wintering areas.;
  3. Continue to work with the Maine Department of Marine Resources to coordinate macroalgae harvest in important wintering sites and determine the level of impact on wintering birds
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources;
  • Industrial and Military Effluents;
  • Lack of knowledge
Osmerus mordax Rainbow Smelt 1
  1. Stocking rainbow smelt larvae marked with oxytetracycline into historical smelt spawning streams that maintain good habitat, while maintaining the genetic structure as identified by this project and annually monitoring stocking success.;
  2. Assessing threats to smelt habitat and evaluating connections between degraded habitat and local smelt population decline;
  3. Continuing monitoring of smelt populations through fyke net sampling, creel surveys, the inshore trawl survey, and the juvenile abundance survey;
  4. Developing a mark-recapture study to estimate the current extraction rate of recreational ice fishing on the Kennebec River and Merrymeeting Bay and other rivers and embayments that support recreational ice fishing;
  5. Restoring stream connectivity and access to historical spawning grounds with monitoring to assess pre- and post-construction conditions and smelt populations
  
Gomphus quadricolor Rapids Clubtail 2
  1. Conduct surveys to determine the status of the historic population(s) on the Saco River.This species may no longer be extant in Maine.
  • Lack of knowledge
Calidris canutus rufa Red Knot 1
  1. Partner with municipalities and BP&L to develop beach management agreements to minimize impacts to feeding and roosting red knots using beach habitats.
  • Housing and Urban Areas;
  • Recreational Activities
Esox americanus americanus Redfin Pickerel 2
  1. Continue development of eDNA technology to document and monitor populations and habitats.;
  2. Enhance and improve fish passage to proximal habitats so redfin pickerel can migrate to and colonize new habitats as necessary.;
  3. Implement targeted professional surveys to better understand the distribution and status of this species and to help direct conservation actions to newly documented populations;
  4. Work with agricultural landowners to restrict or eliminate livestock access to streams occupied by redfin pickerel.;
  5. Work with landowners to enhance and restore riparian buffers on redfin pickerel occupied streams within agricultural lands.
  • Agricultural and Forestry Effluents;
  • Habitat Shifting or Alteration;
  • Roads and Railroads
Phalaropus lobatus Red-necked Phalarope 2
  1. Coordinate with Environment Canada to identify and monitor key staging sites to determine the true geographical extent of their staging area in the outer Bay of Fundy and the Gulf of Maine.;
  2. Develop management practices and avoidance guidelines to manage shipping activities and minimize accidental oil discharges.;
  3. Develop management practices to manage garbage and other solid wastes, and eliminate dumping into the marine environment.
  • Garbage and Solid Waste;
  • Industrial and Military Effluents;
  • Lack of knowledge
Williamsonia lintneri Ringed Boghaunter 1
  1. Develop an improved understanding of habitat and movement ecology to help develop Best Management Practices and other targeted species conservation actions
  • Housing and Urban Areas
Epeorus frisoni Roaring Brook Mayfly 1
  1. Develop and implement a systematic protocol for monitoring population size, demographics, and trends.
  • Lack of knowledge
Sterna dougallii Roseate Tern 1
  1. Increase breeding population distribution and productivity
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources;
  • Industrial and Military Effluents;
  • Problematic Native Species-Diseases
Euphagus carolinus Rusty Blackbird 1
  1. Determine the geographic and temporal extent to which Red squirrel predation may limit population to test whether ecological traps are widespread and frequent;
  2. Develop BMPs that describe size and juxtaposition (to wetlands) of clearcuts that provide suitable nesting habitat but minimize nest predation. Such recommendations could result from a study of nest predaton (artificial nests) at varying distances into regenerating clearcuts.;
  3. Evaluate the effects of precommercial thinning on nesting habitat quality and determine whether nesting success is more sensitive to pre-commercial thinning in some landscapes than in others;
  4. Examine distribution (site occupancy) of currently occupied sites relative to site specific levels of acidification and microclimate.;
  5. Examine the extent of Mercury exposure across Maine and relate this to habitat, soils or watershed variables to better develop mitigation strategies;
  6. Examine the food web of boreal forest wetlands and determine the role of aquatic invertebrates (Tricoptera, Odonata) in maintaining Rusty Blackbird abundance and productivity.;
  7. Improve understanding of sublethal levels of Mercury on growth, health and survival, especially for nestlings;
  8. Investigate postfledging habitat use relative to timber harvest practices;
  9. Support cross-agency data sharing to better understand breeding range-wide survival and fecundity.;
  10. Work with partners on wintering grounds to develop a full life cycle model of Demography
  • Air-Bourne Pollutants;
  • Habitat Shifting or Alteration;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Problematic Native Species-Diseases
Ammodramus caudacutus Saltmarsh Sparrow 1
  1. Assess whether Mercury is a problem at marshes across Maine and whether certain marshes pose a higher risk;
  2. Determine the relative impacts of point source (river-born) vs non-point source (atmospheric) contamination by Mercury.;
  3. Determine whether gene flow from Nelson's sparrow will lead to loss of Saltmarsh Sparrow genotype from Maine, and whether certain marshes may be more resistent to hybridization?;
  4. Determine whether the restoration of tidal action would improve resiliency to sea level rise and whether restricted areas would serve as high marsh refugia, at least temporaily;
  5. Develop BMPs for use with municipalities to maximize buffers around saltmarshes and minimize effects of ongoing commercial and residential development;
  6. Develop a long-term monitoring program which allows for evaluation of effects of human perturbations, natural changes to habitat and management actions to reverse/mitigate such actions.;
  7. Investigate what role, if any, non-native invasive species have in habitat loss or reduction in habitat quality. Determine mitigation measures appropriate for Maine saltmarshes.;
  8. Support current Phragmites control efforts in sourthern Maine and expand to other regions as needed. Monitor effectiveness by conducting point counts to determine bird response.
  • Air-Bourne Pollutants;
  • Dams and Water Management-Use;
  • Domestic and Urban Waste Water;
  • Habitat Shifting or Alteration;
  • Housing and Urban Areas;
  • Industrial and Military Effluents;
  • Invasive Non-native-Alien Species-Diseases;
  • Problematic Native Species-Diseases;
  • Storms and Flooding
Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl 2
  1. Conduct breeding season surveys targeted to blueberry barrens (Washington County) and agricultural fields (Aroostook County).;
  2. Examine relations between regional scale changes (using past and present land use/land cover data) in habitat patch size and past breeding records.;
  3. Promote agricultural practices that potentially benefit this species, such as the Conservation Reserve Program
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Other Ecosystem Modifications
Isurus oxyrinchus Shortfin Mako 2
  1. Determine the location and timing of important habitat use at different life history stages;
  2. Develop an improved understanding of discard mortality rates;
  3. Identify methods to reduce incidental bycatch by recreational anglers
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources
Acipenser brevirostrum Shortnose sturgeon 1
  1. Characterize intersystem movements of shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon (e.g., which systems used, paths taken, timing and duration of movements).;
  2. Determine feeding habitat and trophic position of shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon in each system;
  3. Determine sex and stage of maturity of shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon;
  4. Estimate current population size of shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon in major river systems in Maine.;
  5. Investigate possibility of shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon scute elemental analysis as indicator of river of origin
  
Erynnis brizo Sleepy Duskywing 2
  1. Prepare a statewide atlas and conservation assessment.
  • Lack of knowledge
Malacoraja senta Smooth Skate 2
  1. Determine the location and timing of important habitat use at different life history stages;
  2. Develop an improved understanding of discard mortality rates
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources
Tringa solitaria Solitary Sandpiper 2
  1. Include important solitary sandpiper inland staging areas in existing Significant Wildlife Habitat provisions under NRPA.;
  2. Survey inland wetlands to identify and map important inland staging areas.
  • Housing and Urban Areas;
  • Lack of knowledge
Clemmys guttata Spotted Turtle 1
  1. Continue the cautionary road crossing signage program, and expand the number of locations with signs as additional road crossing hotspots are identified.;
  2. Continue to build public awareness of risks posed by roadways with seasonally appropriate press release that also warns motorists to be on the lookout for turtles during spring/early summer.;
  3. Cooperate with University of Maine and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to research and implement a voluntary Special Area Management Program (SAMP) by towns that want greater flexibility in the implementation of Significant Vernal Pool rules in designated growth areas.;
  4. Deter casual collection by educating the public on the importance of leaving turtles where they find them;
  5. Identify potential road crossing hotspots using GIS and monitor mortality at those locations with road surveys to prioritize the most problematic road segments for mitigation measures such as cautionary signage, exclusionary fencing, and under-road passages.;
  6. Install road crossing structures consisting of under-road passageways and guidance fencing where high-mortality road segments bisect habitat that hosts high priority populations;
  7. Research and coordinate the development of a publically available Potential Vernal Pool map product that covers the entire State, or at least all organized townships
  • Commercial and Industrial Areas ;
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources;
  • Housing and Urban Areas;
  • Logging and Wood Harvesting;
  • Roads and Railroads
Etheostoma fusiforme Swamp Darter 2
  1. Conduct research to develop an improved understanding of seasonal habitat requirements for all size and age classes;
  2. Conduct research to develop an improved understanding of spawning ecology;
  3. Conduct research to develop an improved understanding of trophic ecology;
  4. Implement targeted professional surveys to better understand the distribution and status of this species and to help direct conservation actions to newly documented populations
  • Lack of knowledge
Amblyraja radiata Thorny Skate 2
  1. Determine the location and timing of important habitat use at different life history stages;
  2. Develop an improved understanding of discard mortality rates;
  3. Update life history data across species range
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources
Leptodea ochracea Tidewater Mucket 1
  1. Develop and implement a systematic protocol for monitoring population size, demographics, and trends.
  • Lack of knowledge
Siphlonisca aerodromia Tomah Mayfly 1
  1. Develop and implement a systematic protocol for monitoring population size, demographics, and trends.
  • Lack of knowledge
Lycia rachelae Twilight Moth 2
  1. Develop and implement a systematic protocol for monitoring population size, demographics, and trends.;
  2. Identify host plant(s) and document extent of habitat use outside Pitch Pine - Scrub Oak barrens
  • Lack of knowledge
Bartramia longicauda Upland Sandpiper 1
  1. Improve outreach to commercial blueberry growers regarding BMPs for this species;
  2. Initiate effort to estimate population size and examine vital rates especially on commercial blueberry lands.;
  3. Investigate the relationship between modern blueberry barren management (wind breaks, land leveling, rock removal, irrigation) and Upland Sandpiper occupancy.;
  4. Support state and regional efforts to survey/inventory populations of Upland Sandpiper leading to an estimate of population trend
  • Annual and Perennial Non-timber crops;
  • Commercial and Industrial Areas ;
  • Lack of knowledge
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel 2
  1. Determine population status, pre migration body condition, and importance of commercial blueberry barrens to staging whimbrels.;
  2. Determine potential impacts from hazing and disturbance occuring on commercial blueberry barrens
  • Annual and Perennial Non-timber crops;
  • Lack of knowledge
Pseudopleuronectes americanus Winter Flounder 2
  1. Identify areas where winter flounder spawn;
  2. Conduct research regarding winter flounder habitat needs for various life stages and determine the importance of unique habitat systems such as eelgrass on survivability;
  3. Monitor water quality at winter flounder habitats to determine effect of changing water quality on winter flounder biology and survivability (e.g. temperature and sex ratio relationships).
  • Agricultural and Forestry Effluents;
  • Domestic and Urban Waste Water
Leucoraja ocellata Winter Skate 2
  1. Update life history data across species range
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources
Glyptemys insculpta Wood Turtle 1
  1. Continue to build public awareness of risks to wood turtles posed by roadways with seasonally appropriate press release that also warns motorists to be on the lookout for turtles during spring/early summer.;
  2. Deter casual collection by educating the public on the importance of leaving turtles where they find them;
  3. Expand cautionary road crossing signage program to include wood turtle as important road crossing hotspots are identified for this species.;
  4. Identify potential road crossing hotspots using GIS and monitor mortality at those locations with road surveys to prioritize the most problematic road segments for mitigation measures such as cautionary signage, exclusionary fencing, and under-road passages.;
  5. Install road crossing structures consisting of under-road passageways and guidance fencing where high-mortality road segments bisect habitat that hosts high priority populations
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources;
  • Roads and Railroads
Lampsilis cariosa Yellow Lampmussel 1
  1. Develop and implement a systematic protocol for monitoring population size, demographics, and trends.
  • Lack of knowledge

Conservation actions are non-regulatory and were developed collaboratively with public agency, non-profit, and industry conservation partners.