STRONG – A local fisheries biologist was recently recognized by the Androscoggin River Watershed Council.

Forrest Bonney has worked as a biologist for Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for more than three decades. He was honored for his work on a variety of projects designed to improve fisheries in “countless rivers, streams and lakes throughout the Androscoggin watershed,” according to a department statement.

Bonney has been working on studies on the Androscoggin watershed since 1998, he said. Volunteers have logged more than 100 miles of stream walking in relation to these studies. Some of the studies in which Bonney has been instrumental include:

• Studies on the upper Androscoggin River near the Wild River to maintain the world class brook trout fishery in the Rapid River. The Rapid River’s trout and salmon populations have become threatened by the illegal introduction of non-native smallmouth bass to nearby Lake Umbagog.

• Studies that supported imposing restrictive fishing regulations on the upper Androscoggin River to maintain a healthy fish habitat.

• Stream restoration, relatively new to Maine, on Cupsuptic River and currently on South Bog Stream to restore the brook trout habitats there.

• Habitat survey of the Magalloway River to measure the quality and quantity of the fishery.

This last, Bonney said, was one of the best studies in which he’d been involved. He coordinated five crews of 30 volunteers for three days. The crews walked the entire river taking various measurements.

“The success of this study was due in no small part to Forrest’s active coordination of a coalition of volunteer groups,” stated Charles Knox, executive director of the council.

Bonney of New Sharon works out of the state’s Strong office though is often out in the field. He learned of the award when a co-worker asked him if he would be staying for lunch at the council’s annual conference at the Bethel Inn. When Bonney said he was not planning to stay, Chuck Haulsey, a wildlife biologist, had to let it out.

“I was dumbfounded,” said Bonney. “I’m honored,” he added saying that the plaque hangs over his office desk.

Bonney has also served as a public educator presenting programs at schools and for various organizations. He has become one of the foremost authorities on brook trout and recently wrote a book on the subject, which is in the publishing process.

“Forrest’s life as a public servant has greatly benefited all those who love the Androscoggin watershed, and well beyond,” Knox said.