The Damariscotta River Association (DRA) has announced that State Wildlife Biologist Keel Kemper will be speaking about Maine’s predators, specifically bears, mountain lions and coyotes on Monday, Dec. 15 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the DRA Heritage Center, 110 Belvedere Road. This program is free to the public.

Kemper will focus on the conservation and management efforts of predator populations by the State of Maine. The program will offer information about the recent bear-management referendum, coyote culling and mountain lion status. There will be opportunities for the public to ask questions.

“There are many misunderstandings and some confusion about the status of current predator populations and management methods,” DRA Education Director Sarah Gladu explained. “These are complex ethical issues. It is my hope that the public can become more educated about wildlife management in this state so that we can all help protect wildlife and better and understand what is at stake.”

Kemper is the Regional wildlife biologist for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. He is assigned to the Sidney Regional Headquarters and serves the Central Coastal Maine region. He has worked for the MDIFW for over 25 years and lives with his family in Unity, Maine.

The Damariscotta River Association is a nonprofit, membership supported, and nationally accredited land trust dedicated to preserving and promoting the natural, cultural, and historical heritage of the Damariscotta region, centered on the Damariscotta River.

DRA has active programs in the areas of land conservation, stewardship, community education, water quality monitoring, marine conservation and cultural preservation. Visitors are welcome at the Great Salt Bay Heritage Center in Damariscotta as well as the many other DRA properties throughout the region. For more information call 207-563-1393, email dra@damariscottariver.org, or view their website at www.damariscottariver.org.