I. Introductions/Anti-Trust

Chairman Brooks called the meeting to order at 9:35 A.M. and welcomed the 33 people in attendance to the 71st meeting of Project S.H.A.R.E. After the general introductions, Chairman Brooks read the Anti-Trust guidelines.

II. Past Minutes

There was a motion by Gary Donovan, second by Bill Cherry, to accept the minutes as presented. Motion carried.

III. Treasurers Report

Steven Koenig gave a summary of the Treasurers Report and funding initiatives. Chairman Brooks accepted the report as presented.

IV. Issues and Answers – pH related water chemistry Downeast

Steven Koenig reported on current activities that SHARE is focusing on including: minutes of the Board of Directors meeting, stream simulation design in restoration projects, summer field season activities, and the August White House Conference on Cooperative Conservation.

• Mark Whiting (DEP) – Mark presented summary data of Downeast river water chemistry including data sonde reading from the Pleasant River that showed duration of the events. Carbon dioxide contributes to pH fluctuations on a daily cycle. Organic acids contribute to a relationship between pH and DOC. There is also some relationship between sulfate and pH. Analysis suggests there is a relationship, but it is not linear. Rather it may be a threshold response that shows up during larger rain events that are not neutralized. Overall, both DOC and sulfate contribute to acidity.
• Nate Pennell (WCSWCD) – Nate began taking field pH measurements in the early 1980’s working with USGS. He presented data trends on a couple of tributaries where pH events are occurring. He also has documented pH related fish kills at the Gardiner Lake hatchery. Evidence on Clifford Stream suggest beaver impacts may contribute to low pH.
• Dan Kircheis (NOAA) – Dan provided an update on the “liming” project. Stream side studies in 2004 and 2005 did not document any pH related impacts to smolt physiology on the Dennys River. Smolt physiology on the Pleasant and W. Branch of the Narraguagus was impacted. Currently the project is on hold as studies continue. At present there also constraints to moving forward due to budget issues.
• John Burrows (ASF) – ASF installed a doser on a river in Nova Scotia mid October 2005. The river experiences chronic low pH conditions. The project is funded entirely by private dollars.
• Russell Patterson (New England Organics) – Russ discussed an opportunity for NEO to provide an alkalinity source for terrestrial spreading. NEO handles disposal of the ash by product from the Jonesboro biomass plant. Activity is regulated under a permit from DEP.
• Steve Norton (UMO) – Dr. Norton is a geologist at UMO with experience in Maine river water chemistry. He noted that “Streams are really complicated.” Eastern Maine water chemistry has high DOC. Water chemistry is controlled by bedrock, surficial geology, topography, vegetation, weather, and marine aerosols. Anthropogenic impacts include road salt, deforestation, species control, acid deposition, and water regulation. Vegetation impacts in important ways. Removal of biomass acidifies soils which in turn acidifies water chemistry. Downeast rivers are underlay by granite with surface geology of till, sand deltas, and Presomscott formation clay. Water chemistry changes follow the flow; headwater flow is spiky and flashy. Mainstem spikes are slower to respond and have a broader response curve. Likewise, headwater water chemistry is more spiky and variable than large tribs and mainstem. The Downeast rivers are unique; extremely low calcium and magnesium which makes them sensitive to pH. The system is controlled by geology, with anthropogenic impacts.

VI. Other Business

There being no other business, the meeting adjourned at 12:10 PM.

The next meeting is April 13, 2006 at the Hillgrove Community Center.

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