While best known for their work with birds, Maine Audubon has quietly become a major and important player in regard to the conservation of Maine’s pond-dwelling and sea-run brook trout. However, with the pending changing of the guard at Audubon, I can’t help but wonder if this could mean the end of the organization’s involvement in wild native brook trout.

In 2011, Maine Audubon initiated what is known as the Brook Trout Survey Project. This joint project involving Audubon, Trout Unlimited and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife was started by then-Executive Director and former state Rep. Ted Koffman. The project utilizes volunteers to identify, document and seek protection for previously unknown populations of self-sustaining, genetically pure, pond-dwelling brook trout, as well as rare sea-run brook trout.

After the retirement of Koffman in 2014, Charles Gauvin, the former CEO of Trout Unlimited, took over as executive director at Maine Audubon. Gauvin’s former role at TU made him very much aware of the importance of Maine’s brook trout and the need to protect them. As a result, Gauvin thankfully continued the work of Koffman by embracing and supporting the Brook Trout Survey Project.

Having recently announced the resignation of Gauvin, Maine Audubon will now be headed up by Ole Amundsen III. After reviewing Amundsen’s resume, I can find no links to fishing or trout. While by no means an indication that he will not continue Audubon’s ongoing efforts in support of Maine’s brook trout, it certainly raises some questions and concerns.

Along with lobsters, loons and moose, brook trout are a Maine wildlife icon. They are synonymous with the rugged interior of the state. They are by far the most sought-after gamefish in the state, and the subject of much of our outdoor writing, literature, and lore. Their impact on Maine’s quality-of-place and rural economy is undeniable. No fish even comes close to the impact that brook trout have had, and continue to have, on Maine.

Along with Atlantic salmon and Arctic char, brook trout are some of the rarest salmonids east of the Mississippi. Maine is home to over 95 percent of the nation’s remaining wild and native pond-dwelling brook trout, and a similar percentage of the country’s remaining sea-run brook trout. Maine has the only Arctic char left in the contiguous United States, and most of the remaining Atlantic salmon as well.

As the largest conservation organization in the state, and over three times the size of Maine Trout Unlimited, Audubon’s support in regard to wild and native brook trout is not only helpful, it is critical to the long-term survival of these fish. And as a non-fishing organization, Audubon is the only player that is not burdened or handcuffed by the social and political realities of recreational fishing.

The Brook Trout Survey Project is a critical component in regard to identifying, documenting and protecting Maine’s wild native pond-dwelling and coastal stream brook trout populations. With the state strapped for resources, and Maine Trout Unlimited limited due to their small size, I do not believe the project could survive without the involvement and oversight of Maine Audubon.

In addition to continuing their work with regard to brook trout, I would like to see Audubon take a more active role in regard to all native fish in Maine. This would include freshwater Arctic char and lake whitefish, as well as anadromous Atlantic salmon, striped bass, alewives, shad, and American eels — all of which are in trouble to at least some degree.

As I see it, Maine Audubon needs brook trout as much as brook trout need Maine Audubon. What is conservation in Maine if it does not involve wild and native brook trout — one of just two State Heritage Fish along with Arctic char. I sincerely hope that Amundsen sees brook trout for what they are — an iconic Maine species — and how without his help and support, it will be an uphill battle for this beautiful fish.

Bob Mallard, of Skowhegan, owns Kennebec River Outfitters.

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