I. Introductions/Anti-Trust
Vice Chairman Chandler called the meeting to order at 9:35 A.M. and welcomed
the 27 people in attendance to the thirty-fifth meeting of Project S.H.A.R.E.
Joel Swanton was introduced as the representative from Champion since Gary was
out on other Champion business. After a round of introductions, he 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 October 7, 1999, minutes that were mailed to the membership.
Hearing one minor change of Kathy Gundermans first name to be spelled with a
K, with the above correction, the minutes were approved.
III. Treasurers Report
Bob Chandler gave a summary of the Treasurers Report prepared by Ed Hennessey
covering a period from November 19, 1999 to February 1, 2000. The beginning
balance for the period was $47,868.97 with debits of $22,764.50 and credits
of $32,007.41, leaving an ending balance of $57,111.98. Bob also pointed out
the fact that Matt Scott is getting done at the end of his contract in October.
He will however help with the transition, which may take more time. The Treasurers
Report was accepted and approved, as submitted.
IV. Funding Initiatives
Matt Scott stated that Jed was unable to make the meeting. Matt covered the
status of the 319 Grant for the Dennys River, the new Atlantic Salmon Commission
contract for Dwayne Shaw, and the small Milbridge contract for Torrey Sheafe.
He discussed the meeting he had with Leslie Hudson at Alan Huthcinsons office
in Bangor looking into foundations that provide grant money. Matt is also working
with Dwayne to ask environmental groups to support the WSRC.
V. Atlantic Salmon Conservation Plan Update/ASC
Fred Kircheis, Acting Executive Director of the Atlantic Salmon Commission,
gave an update of the Atlantic Salmon Conservation Plan and the fact that Henry
is in Augusta doing the Annual Repot as we speak. Fred discussed the new budget
addition for recent funds approved by the Governor for assistance to the watersheds
possibly via Project SHARE for the five-downeast rivers. He is not sure right
now how all of this will happen and a method or Plan needs to be developed for
the allocation of these funds. He did point out that the funds are to be results
oriented. Also a fulltime water quality person for DEP is to be funded from
this money. Fred updated us on the proposed ASC regulations to eliminate catch
and release for Atlantic salmon in all Maine rivers.
VI. Steering Committee Report
Bob Chandler presented highlights of the Steering Committee meeting held in
Bangor on January 24, and addressed the following action items:
Through Mike Hill we approved a neutral facts sheet on
the listing issue. We voted to give $200 to help with the printing costs of
the leaflet.
The Committee approved another version of the SHARE brochure
that is to be finalized by Matt.
The Third Machias Lake Dam issue was re addressed and
it was agreed that our position has not changed and the issue will be kept on
the table until we see a formal application. SHARE cannot endorse or oppose
the proposal until we see a plan that would be made to the DEP and how it would
or would not impact Atlantic salmon. So the position SHARE has taken is to remain
neutral at this time. A letter is to be prepared by Matt for Garys signature.
The WUMP program was briefly touched on at the Steering Committee and is one that SHARE does not regularly attended.
VII. Executive Secretary's Report
Matt Scott reported that he attend the East Machias meeting that had about 250
persons present. A meeting in Augusta at the NRCM office was attended by Matt
to find out what is happening at the Maine Rivers group. He and Dwayne will
keep us posted on these meetings. Matt also went to the Husson College breakfast
to discuss listing and SHARE's position. Matt briefly discussed the SHARE brochure.
Matt wants to see more contribution from other outside groups to contribute
funds in the future to the WSRC and support SHARE activities. We should not
be dependent on industry for all this funding. Several members spoke in agreement.
VIII. Standing Committee Reports
Education Committee: Mike Hill gave us comments on the flyer (leaflet) and he
thanked all involved in the effort. Mike is considering a workshop on facts
about the ESA but the downeast rivers team in Machias will decide that. Mike
discussed the poster on fish identification between salmon and trout for the
kiosks and a wallet-sized version. This should be available by the April SHARE
meeting. Mike briefly mentioned the technical resource document that should
be done this year. Fred mentioned that SAM should be asked to make a donation
to the posters and wallet sized version.
Management and Research Committees: Norm Dube gave a brief report in Buds absence. He discussed the combined committee meeting on the Third Machias Lake Dam issue that Bob Chandler had already reported
IX. Project Updates
Watershed Councils Representative: Reinald Nielsen gave us a brief report on
the last Coalition meeting activities of the Watershed Councils. Reinald made
a point of recognizing Fred Kircheis for being very cooperative and attentive
to the Coalition meetings. Dr. Shumann asked a good question on what the purpose
or mission of the Watershed Councils were which was answered.
Watershed Councils Coordinator Report: Dwayne Shaw highlighted his contract
activities for SHARE and the Councils. He also handed out a list of these activities.
He discussed the (Cherryfield Habitat Action and Management Project (CHAMP)
for the Narraguagus Council. Dwayne also pointed out the value of the web site:
mainsalmonrivers.org. Lots of questions
followed.
DSF/WSRC/PRH Report: Dwayne then discussed the DSF future move to expand its role to become a land trust. The Wild Salmon Resource Center (WSRC) continues to provide education for the area. Erin Burke continues at the WSRC with the AmeriCorp Program. Torrey Sheafe is doing the NPS work and he gave a brief update on the EPA 319 non-point source project underway on the Narraguagus and Pleasant River Watersheds. Dwayne also pointed out that the hatchery would be raising brook trout this year for stocking in the upper Pleasant River.
X. Congressional Delegation: No report.
XI. Maine Legislators: No report.
XII. Downeast RC&D Report:
Kathy Gunderman is the new coordinator for
the RD&D and this was her first SHARE meeting. She gave us a good review
of her background and experience in Maine and Georgia. She is originally from
Georgia and we welcomed her to Downeast Maine and SHARE and hope to see more
of her.
XIII. Program:
Melissa Evers, DEP, was introduced for a discussion of her water quality-monitoring
program last year for the DEP and the downeast rivers. She made a presentation
along with a handout of the data. There has not been any evaluation of the data
thus far but some of the outstanding items found from this baseline, is a comparison
between rivers and the nutrient concentrations of phosphorus found in some of
the samples indicating how productive some areas may be over others especially
in the Pleasant River. The fact that Hexazonone was found in all samples taken
is that the substance is very soluble in water but at low concentrations. In
her opinion there has been good QA/QC of the data and she expressed how dedicated
the volunteers were. Conclusion thus far is that this is the first cut of the
data. She also mentioned the presence and absence of stoneflies and mayflies
in the samples collected. She did emphasize storm events and the fact that last
year was very dry and the importance for timing of the sampling is critical
for storm events. Lots of questions were raised by the audience as how this
all relates to Atlantic salmon. She concluded by emphasizing a new Biologist
I is to be hired by the DEP to continue this program for 2000. It must be made
clear that SHARE was not responsible to reimburse the volunteers for mileage
but has come forward to reimburse for 1999 mileage. SHARE has not agreed for
the 2000 mileage costs. Compensation should come from the State.
David Ouellete, USF&WS, gave us a great slide show on river and in-stream restoration concepts being considered for the future, in Maine. The USF&WS plus the ASC have been looking at the possibilities for Maine for sometime. He first gave us a review of stream building and the geological processes. He mentioned how dynamic streams are and that recovery is often fast with restoration examples attempted in other states. He discussed the two concepts of restoration, passive and active. There is a lot of detail involved with hydrology, biology and geology in assessing streams that have been degraded or are pristine. Lots of ideas exist for stream restoration and his presentation developed a lot of questions on costs and environmental permitting. Dave emphasized the value of focusing on aquatic habitat and its total value to other species. Dave pointed out in his slide show that there must be a large collaborative with State, Local and Federal agencies to attempt this kind of work. A great presentation.
XIV. Other Business:
Joel Swanton gave us good reasons why CIC is
gating their roads during the spring, mud season, and questions followed. He
also discussed the sustainable forestry initiative telephone 1-888-734-4625
and their purpose. Nate Pennell also had a good logging educational workshop
that was praised, especially the BMP concept.
Meeting adjourned at 12:15 P.M. Next meeting is April 6, 2000.