POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF HUMAN ACTIVITIES 



Human developments described elsewhere in this report, and their potential 

 impacts upon the environment, are listed in chapter 3. Some of the more 

 important potential impacts on waterfowl are reviewed below. 



Forestry Practices 



Logging and cutting in coastal Maine forests affect waterfowl primarily by 

 destroying breeding habitat. The abandonment of old logging dams in recent 

 decades, and their subsequent deterioration, resulted in lower water levels in 

 ponds and the drainage of others. 



The use of pesticides for forest management in summer may destroy a major food 

 source (largely adult or larval insects) for nesting females and young 

 ducklings. Herbicides are currently being used as a means of improving forest 

 stands by killing certain hardwoods. Clearcutting of hardwood forests, 

 especially near streams and ponds, reduces the availability of nesting sites 

 for cavity-nesting ducks. 



Industrial or Urban Development 



Land use changes occurring on or near wetlands causes degradation or loss of 

 waterfowl habitat. Highway construction, housing, commerical construction, 

 and summer recreation activities all take a toll. The development of 

 recreation facilities and housing is one of the biggest threats to waterfowl 

 in lacustrine systems . 



Oil Pollution 



Oil spills occurring in harbors, bays, and rivers could cause locally sever 

 losses of waterfowl. Spills originating from shipping historically have been 

 the most damaging in or near the port of Portland. Continued spills and 

 waterfowl losses are expected, and if additional oil ports or refineries are 

 developed, spills and waterfowl losses are likely to increase. 



Tidal Power Development 



The potential effect of the proposed tidal power facilities in the Cobscook 

 Bay area (region 6) upon waterfowl is difficult to evaluate. Changes in the 

 water regime could adversely affect the availability and quality of marine 

 invertebrate foods for waterfowl. The potential effect of power development 

 on mud flats, water levels, and ice formation has not been assessed. This 

 developement could be of considerable importance to the abundance and 

 distribution of wintering birds and should be emphasized in any environmental 

 impact statement concerning tidal power development. 



Island Development 



Several State, Federal, and private agencies support programs that acquire or 

 protect the nesting islands of coastal Maine. Eider breeding colonies on 

 privately owned islands usually are least protected. The future of the eider 

 in coastal Maine depends largely on how the islands are developed for use, and 

 whether the protection of eiders is considered in planning. 



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