CARRABASSETT VALLEY — A free technical training workshop will be held on Monday, June 12, at the Carrabassett Valley Public Library. The workshop will focus on the proper installation and maintenance of road/stream crossing structures to prevent erosion and to enhance water quality and fish passage.

The workshop will also include forest management strategies to benefit a variety of birds and other wildlife. The training, hosted by Maine Audubon, in partnership with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Maine Forest Service (MFS), will start with a classroom session at 8:30 a.m. at the library, then move outside to visit several field training sites in the Kennebec River Watershed. The workshop will conclude at noon.

Landowners (including woodlot and camp owners as well as lake and road association members), road construction contractors, loggers, foresters, and forestland managers will benefit from attending the free workshop.

Others interested in habitat connectivity, stream restoration, fisheries management, and Forestry for Maine Birds are invited to participate.

During the classroom session, Ben Naumann, NRCS Fisheries biologist, will provide information about the importance of stream connectivity for fish and wildlife movement, major types of barriers to fish passage created by road/stream crossings, and how replacing these barriers can restore fish and wildlife habitat connections, improve habitat quality, and protect roads and public safety.

Tom Gilbert, MFS water resources forester, will discuss road-stream crossing best management practices, sizing and installing road stream crossings, and design strategies to achieve fish passage. Susan Gallo, wildlife biologist with Maine Audubon, will discuss strategies for managing a woodlot with forest birds in mind.

The field portion of the training will give participants a firsthand look at crossing structures in the Kennebec River Watershed and introduce participants on how to do a quick habitat assessment of their woodlot. They will visit a variety of sites, including those damaged by Hurricane Irene in 2011, and learn how future road washouts and flooding can be prevented by using road-stream crossing structures that allow the free passage of water during major storms.

Participants will leave the workshop understanding why it’s important to install “Stream Smart” crossings that “Let the Stream Act Like a Stream,” allow fish and wildlife to pass and prevent road failures during high storm events. They also will be introduced on how to manage their woodlots adjacent to streams to provide high quality habitat for birds and other wildlife.

In addition, NRCS programs that provide technical and financial help for landowners to implement conservation practices — such as effective road/stream crossings and improved management for wildlife habitat — will be highlighted.

Preregistration is required. For more information, to preregister, or for special accommodations, contact Annica McGuirk, Maine Audubon program support specialist, by calling 207-781-2330, ext. 219, or by emailing amcguirk@maineaudubon.org. Continuing education credits are available for licensed foresters.

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