I. Introductions/Anti-Trust
Chairman Donovan called the meeting to order at 9:32 A.M. and welcomed the 31
people in attendance to the thirty-eighth meeting of Project S.H.A.R.E. After
introductions, Bob Chandler read the Anti-Trust guidelines. This was another
well-attended Project S.H.A.R.E. membership and business meeting.
II. Past Minutes
Executive Secretary, Matt Scott asked the membership if there were any errors
or omissions to the June 1, 2000, minutes that were mailed. 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 May 31, 2000 to August 1, 2000. The beginning balance
for the period was $42,872.88 with credits of $23,151.26 and debits of $11,432.12,
leaving an ending balance of $54,592.02. The Treasurers Report was accepted
and approved.
IV. Funding Initiatives
Jed Wright was not available as he is working on the Atlantic Salmon Collaborative
and the attention this program requires for the protection of Atlantic salmon
habitat. Matt gave a report on SHAREs fundraising history since 1994. Matt stated
how the Maine Atlantic salmon Commission is currently providing significant
funding to project SHARE and the watershed councils to protect and enhance Atlantic
salmon habitat. This cooperative program is the result of Representative Eddie
Dugays legislative efforts to seek additional funding of the ASCP. Nate Pennell
brought us up to date on his through the NPS incremental funding in support
of the Narraguagus CHAMP project of around $70,000. Dave Garcelon also commented
on his funding program through the NRCS. Kathy Gunderman commented on the Gulf
of Maine small grants program. Everyone was very positive on the funding being
provided to the Downeast Atlantic salmon rivers and the accountability for those
funds allocated.
V. Atlantic Salmon Conservation Plan/ASC Update
Fred Kircheis reported on the ASC funding programs and how his efforts have
helped restore funds to Maine for USF&WS staff in a cooperative effort with
Bill Vail through Senator Collins office. Fred commented on new staff additions
and changes as well as how well the weirs are working even though the returns
are very low. He discussed the stocking of wild adults raised by the aquaculture
industry. The Canadian returns are also very low. Fred answered a number of
questions about the NASCO meeting and he reported on the other countries Atlantic
salmon fisheries and activities. Very good report.
VI. Steering Committee Report
No report as the Steering Committee did not meet in July. Bud Delano asked the
Committee to write a position statement on the sand and salt pile issue.
VII. Executive Secretarys Report
Matt gave a briefing of his detailed work over the past two months managing
the seven grants and contracts of which the bulk of funding comes from the ASC.
He also highlighted the three water use activities taking place on three separate
tracks, the WUMP administered by the SPO; The L&WRC joint water withdrawal
policy meetings administered by the DEP and Ag. and the academic perspective
at UofM on water use and future availability. Matt continues a presence downeast
when important meetings take place or events require his attendance. SHARE has
to maintain a weekly presence at a number of meetings due to the number of grants
in place. He reported on the Maine Rivers group which is a new organization
affiliated with the NRCM but want to remain independent. Finally a lot of time
is being spent on the replacement for Matt. This includes advertising and arrangements
for meetings of the Steering Committee and the selection team.
VIII. Standing Committee Reports
Education Committee: Mike Hill was not present and Matt is doing a workshop on
acid rain/ atmospheric deposition in a mini-conference at UMM. Melissa Halsted
reported on the SRWC doing an educational workshop in October 11th for landowners,
foresters and loggers in Windsor.
Management and Research Committees: Peter Ruksznis reported on behalf
of Norm Dube as Fred had to leave early with mark DesMeules.
IX. Project Updates
Water Quality sampling Stations:
Mark Whiting, DEP Biologist gave us an update on his work with the volunteers
on the seven Maine Rivers. They have collected the baseline samples for July
and the news is still good for all the inorganic measurements. He discussed
pH, DO, Temp. and nutrients. Sampling for organic pesticide residues has been
taken and results should be available by the next SHARE meeting.
Watershed Councils Representative: Sherrie Sprangers, discussed the last Coalition
meeting, the East Machias dam celebration and the Maine Science and Technology
Center grant that has been approved for the East Machias, old Bangor Hydro building,
for engineering and architectural design. Good forward effort is taking place
on the Narraguagus, Machias and East Machias rivers plus the Dennys plan, the
work at Tunk and Pleasant River land selection effort.
Watershed Councils Coordinator Report:
Dwayne Shaw circulated highlighted copies of his coordination work. He explained
the PRWC land acquisition effort. We have to keep in mind all the separate hats
he wears, the Downeast River Coordinator and the DSF activities. Dwayne has
been very busy in efforts to meet his contract obligations as well as protecting
and enhancing Atlantic salmon habitat on the five-downeast rivers.
DSF/WSRC/PRH Report: Dwayne reported that the Wild Salmon Resource Center (WSRC)
continues to provide education for the area.
X. Congressional Delegation: Bill Vail from Senator Collins office gave us a good report
on the Federal funding story and how he and Fred worked with the Senator as
well as Senator Snowes staff to restore funding for the USF&WS staff In
Maine who is working on Atlantic salmon. It made little sense to have listing
take place and remove the funding for critical Federal staff in Maine. This
did not pass the straight face test thanks to Fred and Bills cooperative efforts.
XI. Maine Legislators: No report.
XII. Downeast RC&D Report:
Kathy Gunderman commented on their three-year accomplishment report, which she
submitted to Project SHARE.
XIII. Program:
Mark DesMeules, Director of the Lands For Maines Future was taken out of turn
for his program presentation due to scheduling conflicts. He gave us a long
and very good explanation of the program and how it has worked over the years
it has been operating with an explanation of Board composition. He distributed
a newsletter and a copy of the new LMFB Proposal Workbook, which contain the
guidelines on how property is submitted for evaluation and selection. He discussed
the program from its inception in 1957 to the current $50 million Bond approved
by the voters of Maine. This new money has a spending ceiling of $10 million
per year including water access of $1 million per year. There is a match requirement
of 33% for each proposal submitted. Mark gave a good balance of how the Board
decides for the various habitat types acquired. He asked if Project SHARE would
broker a meeting for downeast and Matt will take care of arranging one in the
near future. The record thus far is 68,000 acres protected with 78% having water
access and parcels in all 16 counties. He also explained the recent changes
in the LMFB statutes that came with the $50 million Bond with good details of
how the program functions and its value to the protection of critical Atlantic
salmon habitat. The topic of holding title created lots of discussion from the
members.
XIV. Other Business: Lou Horvath discussed and handed out invitations to the Penobscot Games, Fly Casting Tournament and Barbecue for September 10, 2000 at the Eddington salmon Club. He asked us all to come and have a good time. Ralph Keef announced a new person for the Maine Council to come on Board the end of June. Bud Brown gave us an update of his work for Cherryfield Foods for their permits with detailed characterization of soils, macro invertebrates, groundwater and water quality. Gary conclude on the nominations committee and seeks volunteers.
Meeting adjourned at 12:10 P.M. The next meeting is October 5, 2000 at the Airline Diner/Snack Bar.