I. Introductions/Anti-Trust

Chairman Donovan called the meeting to order at 9:35 A.M. and welcomed the 38 people in attendance to the thirty-sixth meeting of Project S.H.A.R.E. After introductions, Bob Chandler read the Anti-Trust meeting guidelines. This was another high attendance for a Project S.H.A.R.E. business meeting.

II. Past Minutes

Executive Secretary, Matt Scott asked the membership if there were any errors or omissions to the February 3, 2000, minutes that were mailed to the membership. Hearing none, the Chair called for a motion to approve. The minutes were approved as written.

III. Treasurers Report

Chairman Donovan gave a summary of the Treasurers Report prepared by Ed Hennessey covering a period from February 2, 2000 to April 1, 2000. The beginning balance for the period was $57,111.98 with credits of $15,529.78 and debits of $16,026.09, leaving an ending balance of $56,615.67. The Treasurers Report was accepted and approved, as submitted.

IV. Funding Initiatives

>Nate Pennell of the WCS&WCD passed out information about the District and his initiative for several 319 grants. One for the Machias bay area and another for the Machias River main stem, the airline to Machias, with Project SHARE cooperating on the upper river portion. This cooperative effort will help a great deal in working with the Councils and the landowners. Project SHARE looks forward in this cooperative effort as it offers opportunities for all of us. Management of these grants will be through the WCS&WCD. Nate also explained to us the immediate improvement projects for successful 319 efforts. Nate feels that about $60,000 will be available for this type of work. This is goods news for protecting Atlantic salmon habitat through BMP's and NRCS standards. Matt has met with Fred Kircheis and Henry Nichols with a $90,000 ASC funding proposal by Project SHARE for this coming fiscal year for one and one/half persons. All of this new funding effort is very positive. Henry Nichols briefly mentioned NFWF funding which has been submitted for $150,000, and requires a match. The ASC is cooperating with this effort.

V. Atlantic Salmon Conservation Plan/ASC Update

Henry Nichols stated that the Atlantic Salmon Conservation Plan is in it's third year and feels that progress has been made in the funding area and everyone is looking to measurable results from all of this effort. The ASC Board has approved the staff budget, which he distributed to the audience with fund allocation to various areas. Guidelines are being developed for the Watershed Council grant application process and a grant review team of five members will soon be established. Projects will be reviewed on a quarterly basis. Henry also mentioned that the $144, 000, will be available at the beginning of this fiscal year (July 1,2000). This will continue Dwayne and the AmeriCorps position through 2001 under the Project SHARE contract with ASC.

VI. Steering Committee Report

Gary Donovan presented highlights of the Steering Committee meeting held in Bangor on March 20, and stated briefly that most of these items on funding have already been discussed.

• David Keeley will be continuing with the WUMP meetings based on Matt's inquiry and support.
• Matt and Gary will be looking into writing a letter to our Congressional delegation regarding Atlantic salmon funding after talking to Commissioner Perry.

VII. Steering Committee Report

Matt gave a briefing of his work over the past two months which has been very busy, productive, and SHARE continues to be a major player in the downeast area fostering collaborative working effort with everyone who wants to see Atlantic salmon habitat protected and enhanced. Matt will be leaving Project SHARE in October and will work to help with the transition for a new full-time person to be funded out of the ASC contract that was discussed under item IV, funding initiative.

VII. Standing Committee Reports

Education Committee: Mike Hill discussed the committee activity on a proposed opinion poll regarding Atlantic salmon conservation activities for the Watershed Councils. Various meetings are being held to develop the poll. Mike also stated that the posters on fish identification between salmon and trout for the kiosks plus a wallet-sized version is about ready for distribution. We hope to have some available for the June SHARE meeting.

Management and Research Committees: Norm Dube gave a brief report in Buds absence. Things have been fairly quiet but he has been working with Dwayne and Bud on the CHAMP project.

IX. Project Updates

Watershed Councils Representative: Dwayne Shaw reported for Reinald Nielsen. There has been a lot of activity and he handed out information sheets. He asked other Council reps to mention their activities. Bud discussed the NRWC annual meeting and the CHAMP project for the Narraguagus Council. Nate briefly discussed the Two Rivers Council activities. He reported very good attendance for their meetings. He also revealed a predator plan to protect Atlantic salmon for the Councils. Henry Nichols briefly reported on the planting of a riparian area along the Sheepscot Watershed Councils Coordinator Report: Dwayne Shaw highlighted his contract activities for SHARE and the Councils along with handouts. He and Bud agreed toy to delay the CHAMP presentation to the June SHARE meeting.

DSF/WSRC/PRH Report: Dwayne reported that the Wild Salmon Resource Center (WSRC) continues to provide education for the area. Erin Burke continues at the WSRC with the AmeriCorp Program. He also mentioned the hatchery operation, raising book trout for the upper Pleasant River and a NMFS research project on smoltification at the WSRC.

X. Congressional Delegation:

Judy Cuddy from Senator Collins office reported on appropriations support by both Senators Collins and Snowe for the DOI specifically, for Atlantic salmon habitat. A letter of support is always helpful from constituents. Gary asked about future grants and if we should be in contact for support of grant applications. She had a very positive response about every-ones work.

XI. Maine Legislators: No report.

XII. Downeast RC&D Report:

Kathy Gunderman She gave us a good review of her activities for the RC&D during the past two months. She too is involved with grant writing and realizes the time it takes to do this type of work. She continues to offer her offices support.

XIII. Program:

Dr. William Reid, Director of Environmental Services, Maine Department of Transportation, and accompanying staff gave us a great slide show with informational handouts of what DOT is doing to protect Atlantic salmon habitat in all Maine salmon rivers with a focus of their activities for downeast Maine. It resulted in a very lengthy and worthwhile discussion well into the lunch hour. Everyone came away with a sense that here is a state agency not mentioned in the Conservation Plan but one that is putting lots of dollars into protecting Atlantic salmon habitat and water quality in Washington and Hancock Counties. Bill started of with a general introduction of philosophy and cooperation to protect and enhance the environment. Each staff member made a presentation as well as their key contractor representative. Those persons are as follows; Mike Clark, 287-8317 from Augusta, gave all of us a nice colored copy of his handout with all the telephone numbers for contact when a problem arises. Bruce Mattson 667-5556 and Cliff Perry from the Ellsworth Division, discussed maintenance activities, now and in the future with the heavy truck traffic for route 9, Joyce Noel Construction Engineer, 287-2134 Andrea Glidden, 287-2383 Augusta and Susan Breau 626-0613, Hillier and Assoc., Inc., DOT contractor of Augusta discussed the Surface Water Quality Protection Program. In summary, Bill says there are 2400 DOT employees statewide; and sees no need to duplicate state efforts and he always looks for creative financing to solve problems that help protect the environment.

XIV. Other Business

None. Matt will write a letter of appreciation to DOT Commissioner, John Melrose.

Meeting adjourned at 12:30 P.M. The next meeting is June 1, 2000 at the Airline Snack Bar.

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