Project SHARE

I. Introductions/Anti-Trust
Chairman Donovan called the meeting to order at 9:30 A.M., and welcomed the 42 people in attendance to the 30th meeting of Project S.H.A.R.E. After a round of introductions, Bob Chandler read the Anti-Trust meeting guidelines. Bob also took the opportunity and introduced Jim Runyan, the new G-P Group Procurement Manager who has returned to Maine, replacing Jim Hileman.

II. Past Minutes
Executive Secretary, Matt Scott, asked the membership if there were any errors or omissions to the February 4, 1999, minutes. Hearing none, the minutes were approved, as written.

III. Treasurer's Report
Gary Donovan gave a summary of the Treasurer's Report prepared by Ed Hennessey covering a period from February 1, 1999, to March 29, 1999. The beginning balance for the period was $40,350.87, with debits of $12,060.89 and credits of $19,115.51, leaving an ending balance of $47,405.49. The Treasurer's Report was accepted and approved, as submitted.

IV. Funding Initiatives
Jed Wright, though not present, is soliciting requests for the Atlantic Salmon Collaborative from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Matt reported that Project S.H.A.R.E. has been given final approval of the 319 proposal for Non-Point Source surveys of the Pleasant and Narraguagus rivers. Kim Erskine is to be the Project Coordinator, with Torrey Sheafe as the Assistant. Matt pointed out the collaborative effort between Nate Pennell of the Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District and Dave Garcelon of the NRCS offices in Machias.

V. Atlantic Salmon Conservation Plan
Henry Nichols briefly discussed the Atlantic Salmon Conservation Plan's Annual Report, and the responses he received for comment to the Federal Services. The State's final response to all comments is due by April 30, 1999; Federal decision is now pending.

VI. Steering Committee
Matt briefed the membership on the Steering Committee meeting held on February 24, 1999 in Bangor to finalize the organizational chart, which was approved at the coalition meeting on March 11, 1999 in Columbia Falls. Our financial status is good, and the Steering Committee is looking into the feasibility of a fundraiser/financial manager for Project S.H.A.R.E. The three standing committee reports were made, as well as reports from the Executive Secretary and the Watershed Councils Coordinator. Matt also reported that he sent a letter to Congressman Baldacci asking for full funding of the NRCS budget, that included WHIP funds for Maine. Matt was directed to look into the cost of holding Project S.H.A.R.E. meetings at other locations in Washington County. We concluded with a very productive Steering Committee meeting.

VII. Executive Secretary Report
Matt gave a brief report of how he has been busy with many meetings Downeast; forestry BMP's, the Cranberry Growers, Coalition meetings, along with preparing 319 workshops. The WUMP and ASC meetings have taken time, but all have been worthwhile to keep up to date.

VIII. Standing Committee Reports
Education Committee: Mike Hill summarized the FORUM on Atlantic salmon management held February 13 at the University of Maine, Machias (UMM), with Dr. Vaughn Anthony as keynote speaker, Ed Baum, ASA, along with Mary Colligan and John Kocik of NMFS. Mike also provided us with the new web site for accessing information on Maine Atlantic salmon rivers. The address is Error! Reference source not found.. Art McKay has been working with Mike and others on this web page. Mike is also planning another workshop on Atlantic salmon issues in July of this year. Mike reported on the progress of the technical manual with Janet Henry who has been hired for the project. Janet provided us with her phone for contacting her at 843-6739, and e-mail, everhart@midmaine. com.

Management Committee: Gregg Horton reported on the joint meeting between research and management. They met on March 17 at the WSRC to discuss ongoing projects, and brought us up to date on the WHIP projects with Dave Garcelon. Bob Wengzynck continues to be the point man for WHIP. Water quality measures were discussed with the DEP, BPC and VWMP staff, with training for baseline monitoring activities for the 319 Grant.

Research Committee: Bud Brown also attended the meeting and offered his comments on how to make things work better for Project S.H.A.R.E. He continues to attend the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meetings for ideas. Bud would like to see a member from each Watershed Council participate on the Research Committee. He also supports joint meetings, as needed, with the Management Committee, and appreciated the State Agency response with their expertise.

IX. Project Updates
Watershed Council Representative: Kim Erskine was unable to be at our meeting, therefore, Dwayne Shaw gave Kim's report. The Narraguagus Council is hanging on, doing kiosks, and dealing with the sand salt pile issue in Cherryfield. They will be holding an organizational meeting in May with election of officers.

Dwayne ended up giving a lengthy report as Watershed Coordinator, WSRC and PRH. He combined all of his activities into one. The Coalition meetings are going well, progress is being made on the 319 training, and he further elaborated on Janet Henry's skills and activities. Dwayne gave out T-shirts and caps in recognition of the funding support received by the WSRC. He also discussed the organizational chart and its acceptance.

Special Discussion Item:
Steve Schaeffer, First Assessor of Grand Lake Stream, with Louis Cateldo of the Grand Lake Stream Guides Association made a presentation regarding their town and organizations' economic concern for the loss of small-mouth bass fishing at Third Machias Lake. The old dam was removed years ago which held six feet of water in the lake, and they would like to see a low head dam of about three feet built in place at the old dam site. This resulted in lots of discussion and opinions, and Chairman Donovan asked the TAC and Research and Management Committees to get all the stakeholders together, discuss the details and report back to the Steering Committee for a decision as soon as possible.

ASA/USF&WS, 1999 Field Work Activity Plan: Jerry Marancik gave us an update on several activities; Craig Brook Hatchery SSSV, genetic analysis, new tagging techniques, Penobscot River Festival and the 1999 work plan. Gregg made some comments about the Work Plan, smolt trapping on the Narraguagus and plans to trap smolt on the Pleasant this year in Columbia Falls at the old downtown bridge.

Special Report: Bob Chandler gave us a review of what the Maritimes Northeast Pipeline is doing for their horizontal drilling under the St Croix River; very interesting opportunity to go and observe some of their work.

X. Congressional Delegation: No report.

XI. Legislators: No report.

XII. Program
Matt introduced Alan Haberstock of Kleinschmidt Associates, who was awarded an SPO contract for developing a method to establish optimal riparian buffer zones for protection of Atlantic salmon habitat. Alan gave a very lengthy and detailed presentation, with overhead slides and very good handouts. He pointed out its strengths and weaknesses, how unique it is, as well as being a science-based method. The method does incorporate variable width zones for different buffers, as not all are alike. Alan discussed shading, temperature, soils and base flows and how buffers can protect and enhance these attributes. Some time was spent on stream order and the definition thereof. Lots of questions with discussions ensued over concerns of the use of the method; questions about this method becoming mandatory were raised. He emphasized that this is not a proposed regulatory method, nor is there any landowner compensation proposed. However, a 50% goal has been set which may not be achievable through volunteer landowners. As pointed out earlier, this presentation resulted in a long and healthy discussion of concerns.

XII. Other Business. None brought to the table.

Meeting adjourned at 12:30 P.M.
The next Project S.H.A.R.E. meeting is scheduled for June 3, 1999.

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5/21/99