April 11, 2002 Meeting Minutes

Minutes
Project S.H.A.R.E.
Whitneyville Community Club
Whitneyville, Maine
April 11, 2002

I. Introductions/Anti-Trust
Chairman Chandler called the meeting to order at 9:35 A.M. and welcomed the 34 people in attendance to the 48th meeting of Project S.H.A.R.E. After the general introductions, Chairman Chandler then read the Anti-Trust guidelines.

II. Past Minutes
Chairman Chandler asked the membership for any errors or omissions to the February 14th, 2002 minutes that were mailed. None noted there was a motion by Bill Cherry, second by Ron Brokaw to accept the minutes as distributed. The minutes were approved.

III. Treasurers Report
Steven Koenig gave a summary of the Treasurers Report. Motion to accept by Charlie Corliss, second by Sherrie Sprangers. Approved.

IV. Funding Initiatives
Steven Koenig provided an overview of grants and contracts in place and current funding initiatives. There were no questions.

V. Atlantic Salmon Conservation Plan/ASC
Greg Mackey reported on recent activities of the Atlantic Salmon Commission.

Adult salmon stocked in the Dennys River were genetically viable. The development of eggs stocked in artificial redds in the St. Croix will be monitor.
Field survey crews will map habitat on Tunk Stream and electro fish to determine if any Atlantic salmon are present in Tunk Stream.
Dan Kircheis provided an update on the Federal Recovery Plan. The draft is scheduled to be available to the public July 1. Final draft is scheduled for year-end. Copies of drafts can be obtained from Mark Minton.

VI. Steering Committee Report
Bob Chandler acknowledged the acceptance of the resignations of Fred Kircheis, Mark Whiting, and Morten Moesswilde and thanked them for their continued contribution to Project SHARE. The minutes of the March Steering Committee were reviewed. Steven Koenig provided an overview of key items.

Matt Scott presented a check for $7,500 to the Downeast Salmon Federation for the Wild Salmon Resource Center. Fundraising efforts will continue with the assistance of John Burrows.

VII. Technical Resource Coordinator's Report
Torrey Sheafe provided an update highlighting recent activities.

The PowerPoint presentation to the Governor was well received.
Assistance was provided to Cove Brook Watershed Council with maps and pictures for the display board.
He is assisting the Narraguagus Watershed Management Plan with maps and information analysis.
Maps highlighting priorities of sub watersheds in each river are completed in GIS format.
The Maine Aquatic Biodiversity Project now catalogs research projects on the Downeast rivers.
David Brooks thanked Torrey for the assistance he provided the WUMP technical working group.

VIII. Research Committee
Mark Whiting - The committee is waiting for feedback from the Councils on their interest in "Salmon Forum" this fall. Funds have been set aside to host it. He asked for feedback on whether it should be one large event or a series of smaller workshops at different locations. Responses indicated a preference for a series of smaller workshops.

IX. Education Committee
No report.

X. Project Updates
NRCS - a meeting of stakeholders for the PL566 will be held in Cherryfield May 2nd. Soil surveys have been completed for 80% of Maine. Completion of the Pleasant and Narraguagus Watersheds will be a priority this year. Data may be available in GIS format next year.

Cove Brook

501 c 3 status has been approved.
They have submitted a grant to NFWF for land acquisition/easement activities.
Have had a display booth at recent public events in the Bangor area.

Narraguagus

Annual meeting will be held May 11th. Congressman Baldacci will be the guest speaker.
Funding for the Cherryfield sand/salt shed has been approved by NMFS.
The RC&D will be the council's fiscal agent.
A river cleanup is scheduled for May 18
ATV club has been formed
NPS Watershed Management Plan is completing the strategy building sessions and will begin the writing phase.

Pleasant

The By-laws are presently being reviewed.
The Downeast Salmon Federal will act as fiscal agent and host the council.
Current activities focus on land protection purchases and easements
May 11th there will be a riparian planting at the Pleasant River Fish & Game Club.

Machias

A coordinator is being hired for the two councils.
April 27th there will be a riparian planting in Whitneyville followed by a picnic and evening activities.

Sheepscot

A geomorphic Assessment and habitat inventory will be conducted this summer.

E. Machias

Restoration projects include the bridge at Munson Rips and NPS remediation between Munson Rips and Route 9 have been funded. Final plans will be made as soon as the permit is in hand.

Downeast Rivers Coalition (DRC)

Velpar testing kits are available. They will be testing area drinking water. Ron Brokaw noted that information is available through ASC and the Board of Pesticides. Mark Whiting has that information also.

DSF/WSRC

Dwayne Shaw thanked Matt Scott and SHARE for the continued funding support for the Wild Salmon Resource Center.
They have received a $75,000 grant to hire a full-time Executive Director and fund land acquisition at Saco Falls. Upon purchase the land will be turned over to the town for a picnic area.
They are working on By-Law revisions to create a member-based organization.

XI. Program
Jacob van de Sande, educator at the Wild Salmon Resource Center, was the guest speaker. He described the educational outreach program that has been developed at the WSRC and presented the PowerPoint presentation that he takes into the classroom. The presentation was well received.

XII. Meeting adjourned at 12:15 P.M. Motion by Bill Cherry, Second by Bob Hinton. Approved.

The next meeting is June 13, 2002 at the Hillgrove Community Center.

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