Restoration of Connecticut's Conservation
Wildlife License Plate
January 18, 2010 By Tom Baptist, Executive Director and Vice President of
Audubon Connecticut
"The monies generated by Connecticut's Wildlife Conservation License Plate are the only source of funding dedicated to nongame wildlife - - animals that are not hunted such as migratory songbirds and shorebirds- - in Connecticut. The Wildlife Plate provides critical match for available federal funds that together support DEP's nongame wildlife programs statewide.
Wildlife is big business in our state. According analyses conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, more than 1.3 million state residents participate in wildlife-associated recreation, generating more than $800 million of expenditures statewide, and supporting almost 10,000 jobs. Yet Connecticut consistently ranks among the lowest states in the union in per capita state investments in wildlife.
We commend Attorney General Blumenthal for his leadership on this critical issue, and look forward to working with the Governor and General Assembly to ensure that funding derived from sales of the Wildlife Conservation License Plate continues to benefit the wild creatures of our state."
Photo courtesy North Castle Historical Society
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The Sound and The Fury: A Farmers’ Market in North Castle by Michelle Boyle 26 March
The agenda at North Castle’s Town Board meeting on March 25, 2009 included a public discussion of a Farmers’ Market in downtown Armonk.
Carol Delisa, an Armonk resident, presented the idea for a Farmers’ Market to take place for four-hours from 9- 1pm on Saturdays, during twenty-three weeks of the year. The proposed location of the Market was town owned property adjacent to the Town Annex, behind Town Hall on Bedford Road. A partial list of vendors items to sell at The Market included two meat vendors, two vegetable growers, one organic: jams and syrup; a bread and cheese maker; rotating local wine vineyards; dessert; bath and body products; herbs, homemade pasta; and smoked trout. Ms. Delisa claims, “I choose the people, I’ve been to the farms and slaughter houses and know who’s who.” Competition within the market itself would be similar to multiple choices of coffee houses in town. She noted that an anticipated 65- 100 people per hour would shop at the market.
Resident Joan Kantor asked, who doesn’t remember Sunday mornings at Schultz’s Cider Mill Market? The recollection includes fond memories of seeing your neighbor on the line while waiting for the next batch of freshly made doughnuts. Much positive sentiment was expressed that The Farmers’ Market would provide the added social component of connecting with our neighbors during the weekend.
Several residents that frequently attend Farmers’ Markets, pointed out they can better acquaint themselves with local merchants shopping downtown at the same time to pick up a card or get a hardware item.
Comparisons were made to nearby Pleasantville Farmers’ Market which supposedly uses local farmers, but it was stated only two participating farmers are from Westchester and two from Rockland. It was further noted that the remaining vendors are not local, but rather regional from Long Island, New Jersey and Upstate NY. Furthermore, Pleasantville Market is privately run and requires a vendor’s fee and many vendors are not producing their own products. Also mentioned was Pleasantville’s community initially opposed the market and now it supports the vitality of their downtown.
Merchants and business owners of Armonk expressed concern that the competition of The Farmers’ Market would hamper the already dismal retail conditions with the mention of local store rents in arrears. Many business owners claimed that they had not received sufficient notification of the Town Boards’ consideration for implementing a Saturday market downtown and are concerned that the Market may have a negative impact upon the volume of local business sales.
Judy Willsey, as President of the Armonk Chamber of Commerce, tried to remain objective but became emotional when defending her position of informing local business owners through the Chamber while she said, “She’s damned if you do or damned if you don’t”. She stated that she hand delivered notices highlighting the agenda item and encouraged her neighboring merchants to attend the Town Board meeting. Ms. Willsey stated, “That the Town Board just doesn’t get it.” Local business owners spoke loud and clear about their rent and tax costs as opposed to the Farmers’ Market vendors that may be charged a minimal fee and if so, mention of that fee going towards the coordinator of the market. Thus, local retailers feel it is not a level playing field.
Diane Roth, a local realtor, shared that the downtown real estate market is currently challenged by a high vacancy rate of ten stores.
Some creative options were discussed: allow local merchants to place tables outside their stores along Main Street during market hours; collaborate with store owners to market and carry more local produce; and permit store owners to sell their products at the market. This last idea received objection due to the retailers’ unavailable manpower and the burden of paying for extra help. An alternative was offered that local students could provide community service selling local retailers’ goods and giving them a representation at the market.
Town councilman, Mike Schiliro, pointed out that we should look towards our town leaders to bring innovative ideas to benefit our community and help our business owners. He stated, “Downtown needs a third place besides home and work. Currently that third place is a park bench on Main Street.” Saturday mornings the Farmers’ Market could be that third place.
Councilman Schiliro and Geist spoke in favor of the project, while Councilman Kittredge and Weaver requested further information.
Prior to the Town Board meeting Supervisor Berman meet with Ms. Delisa and then sent out an email that circulated among residents asking for residents to attend the meeting or write in support of the Farmers’ Market. Supervisor Berman was in favor of the Market and her remarks included the benefits: residents being brought together; fresh produce supporting local farmers, preventing agricultural decline in New York State; a belief that shoppers presence downtown would help not hinder retail shops; and lastly she mentioned a significant number of people attending Farmers’ Markets surveyed visited more local stores while doing so.
Questions that remain unanswered include: how will the market effect small businesses, what types of fees would apply, how many parking spaces are there in the area; and how will the trash and traffic flow be handled? The economy was continually referred to throughout the evening and may be an obstacle in introducing a Framers’ Market at this time.
The Town Board determined more time was needed to review the questions and concerns and further discussion on the topic was placed on the agenda for the next Town Board Meeting on April 7th.
Support your local merchants, they depend on us. Look for AllAboutArmonk.com’s: Shop of the Week.
Human Health
"A major benefit of biodiversity is its
direct impact on human health, including the prevalence of Lyme
disease. Research conducted in southeastern New York has revealed that
the diversity of small mammals (e.g., mice, moles, voles, shrews) is
reduced by forest fragmentation. The small mammal that ends up
dominating these isolated fragments—the white-footed mouse—is the
primary carrier of the Lyme bacterium. The risk of Lyme disease is much
lower in intact forest ecosystems where the infection rate is
suppressed by a diversity of small mammals. By maintaining larger
tracts of interconnected forest habitat, we can maintain high
biodiversity levels and simultaneously reduce human health risks (Allan
et al. 2003)." Read further information about Lyme disease.
The Box Turtle Population The fact that
only a single individual box turtle was found in the North Castle
Biodiversity study could be an indication that box turtles numbers in
North Castle are diminishing. The individual observed in the study area
was an adult male of thirty
to forty years and therefore, unfortunately, does not illuminate the
reproductive status of the population. "Additionally, box turtles
are long- lived species, so presence of adults does not necessarily
indicate a healthy, reproducing population. Older individuals can
remain long after the population has ceased to reproduce." If
reproduction is still occurring, the known predators: raccoon, skunk,
and opossum that prey on hatchlings may be so high that no turtle
hatchlings survive to reproductive age. Only if a variety of age
classes is evident does it indicate that the population is
reproducing. Source:Northcastle.org
North Castle Biodiversity Plan by Danielle T. LaBruna, M.A. and Michael W. Klemens, Ph.D.
Metropolitan Conservation Alliance,Wildlife Conservation Society Bronx, New York, Michael W. Klemens, LLC
Farms & Wildlife
This big bird was seen flying from rooftop to rooftop in the Whippoorwill Road East area. Do you have any idea of what type of bird this is? To leave a comment, please click here.
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Home of the Bobcats
They don't call the Byram Hills' sports team Bobcats for nothing. This bobcat was spotted recently roaming outside Swizz Re Headquarters on King Street. He doesn't appear to be looking for insurance.... Just like our young athletes, he looks fit and ready for competition. Let's keep the Bobcat competition on the athletic fields.
Bobcat Integral Piece of our Local Ecosystems Should be Cause for Celebration
The bobcat certainly falls at the top of the list of Westchester's least known animals. One reason is the fact that their presence is relatively new to this area. (This photo was taken looking out from Swiss Re on King Street) Additionally, their habits and behavior make them incredibly elusive and difficult to observe.
They will move about at nearly any time of day, though they are most active during the early morning hours and late afternoon/early evening hours of the day. This is when the majority of their prey species (mice, squirrels, rabbits, birds, etc) are active as well. Typical habitats are forests, successional fields (ie. fields turning back to forest), and wetlands. They are typically solitary with the exception of the breeding season and when females are raising their kittens.
Normally weighing around 20-30 lbs, males and females occupy separate territories for the majority of the year. These territories can be anywhere from 12 to 136 square miles depending on terrain, suitable habitat, and availability of food. It is likely that bobcats in this area are occupying territories on the small end of this range.
Not a whole lot is know about the population levels of bobcats in the state of NY, let alone the Southern Tier and Westchester County. Individuals should be encouraged to report their bobcat sightings to the NYS DEC. Information on how to report sightings can be found at http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/30770.html.
Westmoreland Santuary would also like to know about local bobcat sightings, email: westsanc@optonline.net. For the past 4 years we've been recording bobcat sightings from individuals in the area. Keeping track of individual sights may help to shed some light on approximately how many individuals are occupying territories in our local area.
Should the public know that there are bobcats in the area? Yes. Should the public be concerned about the well-being of pets and children? Not really. Their secretive and shy nature creates a highly improbable scenario in which anyone may come into direct contact with one of these animals. In very rare instances, wildlife (bobcats included) may pose a threat to humans when cornered, injured, or ill. These anomalies shouldn't be dismissed but also should not be cause for an unnecessary level of concern.
People should always be diligent as to the whereabouts of their children and pets. Any form of wildlife has the potential to react adversely to people and pets: Bees sting, mosquitoes bite, ticks bite, and birds dive-bomb unwanted visitors near a nest. Mice, chipmunks, and squirrels pose a danger to cats who attempt to secure them as prey. Skunks and raccoons pose a threat to curious dogs. Hawks, fox, coyote, and bobcat have the potential to do harm to livestock like our ducks and chickens or to someone's outdoor cat or small dog when left unsupervised.
Animals need food to survive. When we as humans create favorable conditions or opportunities for wildlife to secure an easy meal, they take advantage. When wild animals take advantage of the easy meals we provide, it often comes to the detriment of the animals and us. This is why people shouldn't feed bears, trash cans should be secured from rummaging raccoons, and small pets (and their food) should be brought in or locked up for the night.
Hopefully people will see the inherent value of our area's wildlife as a benefit and a reason to be proud to live in this part of the state. All of our area's native wildlife, both the familiar and unfamiliar, should be revered and respected for the role they play in keeping ecosystems in balance.
I guess I'm just asking to give the photographed bobcat (and our other wildlife) the benefit of being appreciated and not feared. It's really the only way we'll be able to effectively continue to protect habitats and species now and into the future.
A 4:00am local indoor bat sighting occurred recently. Wondering if all the rain has anything to do with the wild animals looking for cover? Last week we had the roaming bobcat and this week we have the hovering bat.
Anyway, the couple woke to a noise that at first resembled the swishing of an ultrasound. Initially the two dropped from their bed and rolled to the door. (Stop, drop and roll, isn’t that the technique for fire?)
Screaming didn’t seem to deter the bat from circling overhead, neither did the white sheet of protection.
Bravely the creature was herded into the bathroom, but in no time managed to squeeze under the door and return to the bedroom. An opened screen in the hallway finally provided an exit and relief for all involved.
Talking about wildlife, anyone notice the blue herons in the area?
The blue heron pictured above was recently spotted at Wampus Brook. Not sure if it is the same heron that visits Windmill Lake. It reminds us of a peradactyle, the prehistoric flying big bird.
We got up close and personal with a turkey vulture scavenging road kill on Whippoorwill Road.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY PARKS CONSERVATION DIVISION
Control of Canada Geese
The
following suggestions for controlling Canada geese populations,
presented at a symposium hosted by Westchester County have been
compiled by the Parks Department. These methods have been met with
success in many instances. Alter the habitat Reduce grassy
expanses by planting trees and shrubs and turn lawns into meadows.
Establish large ground cover areas in place of manicured lawns. Leave
an apron of tall grass (6? to 10?) around ponds or approaching bodies
of water. Shrub areas around bodies of water make access to ponds
difficult for Canada geese. This strategy discourages the geese and
encourages them to relocate. This strategy is also easy, inexpensive
and proven.* (*In public parks and recreational areas, these measures should be explained to visitors through appropriate signage.) Encourage the Canada geese to feed from nature Feeding
Canada geese or other wild fowl promotes a dependency on humans and
creates problems for them. Wild animals should be free to be wild and
encouraged to migrate. Most humans do not provide the right nutritional
balance when they feed waterfowl at our ponds and lakes. In public
areas, appropriate signage that explains why feeding is discouraged
could be part of a campaign to get people to stop feeding and
domesticating Canada geese. Install mechanical barriers North Castle Conservation Board recommends growing all
grass and appropriate shrubs should serve as natural barriers around waterways. Natural barriers and habitat alterations should be tried and their results
analyzed before considering mechanical barriers such as fencing. Employ scarecrows This can be done easily and provide a fun family project, although it is should be considered after the other tactics are tried. Moving limbs of the scarecrow may show more success, as European studies have shown that some motion
is necessary to deter Canada geese. Chemical repellant There are concerns of environmental impact while
using commercial products, although they may be
effective but only until the next rainfall. The Parks Department is not interested in this strategy. Border Collies Border
Collies Dogs are effective in protecting property and harassing Canada geese, especially during fall migration and thereby discouraging geese from settling in for
the winter. In the spring the dogs can interrupt the Canada
geese from developing nesting sites. Although expensive, this method of controlling geese is effective but is primarily a short-term or temporary measure.
It is not, however, a preferred strategy. Employ plastic swans and cygnets This strategy is not favored since studies are inconclusive about mixing swans and Canada geese. Egg substitution Professionals can be hired for intervening Canada geese
reproductive cycle. Oral contraception This is the newest option and requires further testing, but shows promise for the future. Source: www.westchestergov.com
Nearby Muscoot Farm Family Programs Muscoot Farm dates to the 1860-1960 period of Westchester history. Farm hours are 10 a.m. to 4
p.m. seven days a week to view the outdoor sculptures; the Main House
gallery is open Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 4 p.m.
Children
can tour the dairy barn, milk house, ice house, blacksmith shop and
several other barns and buildings. Activites and family programmingand
workshops are offered. They farms houses cows, sheep, pigs, goats and
horses. “Birds and Beasts Show” by Susan Halls consists of both small pieces
inside the main house and enormous bunnies outside in the barnyard
amid the farm’s live animals. Her The sculptures highlight the artist’s affection and
fascination with a diversity of animals. Source:Westchestergov.com
Further Family Programs at Muscoot Farm
Muscoot Farm has a collection of old fashioned farm toys. For more information or to register for a program, call Muscoot at (914) 864-7282. General information about Westchester County Parks www.westchestergov.com/parks. Muscoot is a Westchester County Park located on Route 100 in Somers and can be reached via I-684, exit 6. Go west on Route 35 to Route 100 and turn left; the farm is a mile and a half ahead on the right. The farm is accessible to the disabled with assistance.
Deer Population
The North Castle Town Board
has raised the limits of deer fencing from 6 feet to 8 feet
in attempt to reduce the deer population feeding on landscaping at
residential homes. It has been reported that this will not solve the
regional deer overpopulation, as exclosures may increase the density of
deer in non-exclosed areas. This could also increase the number of
traffic collisions that remain a concern and are reported weekly in the
police blotter.
"Long-term reduction and stabilization of the deer herd
in Westchester will require multiple management techniques at multiple
scales and the involvement of the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC). Representatives of the DEC,
Westchester County, and conservation, education, hunting, and humane
organizations banded together in 2006 to deal with the deer
overpopulation issue, forming the Westchester County Forest
Regeneration Citizens’ Task Force." The group has studied and a report
in early 2008 was scheduled to provide guidelines to towns, villages,
and the county on options for controlling the deer population.
You can
also contact the DEC Region 3 Wildlife Department at (845) 256-3098 to
inquire about what they are doing to control the deer herd in
Westchester.
Source: Northcastle.org North Castle Biodiversity Plan by Danielle T. LaBruna, M.A. and Michael W. Klemens, Ph.D. Metropolitan Conservation Alliance,Wildlife Conservation Society Bronx, New York, Michael W. Klemens, LLC
County Wide Fertilizer Law
A recently passed legislation bans the sale and use of fertilizers containing phosphorus. The law prohibits applications of lawn fertilizers between Dec. 1st and April 1st. This is intended to minimize nutrient run-off from nitrogen components of fertilizers. Exceptions apply for flower and vegetable gardens, new lawns and lawns deficient of phosphorous.
