Minutes
Project S.H.A.R.E.
Airline Diner/Snack Bar
T22MD - near Beddington, Maine
February 4, 1999
I. Introductions/Anti-Trust
Chairman Donovan called the meeting to order at 9:38 A.M., and welcomed the
37 people in attendance to the 29th meeting of Project S.H.A.R.E. After a round
of introductions, Bob Chandler read the Anti-Trust meeting guidelines.
II. Past Minutes
Executive Secretary, Matt Scott, asked the membership if there were any errors
or omissions to the December 3, 1998, minutes. Hearing none, the minutes were
approved as written.
III. Treasurers Report
Gary Donovan gave a summary of the Treasurer's report prepared by Ed Hennessey
covering a period from December 1, 1998, to February 1, 1999. The beginning
balance for the period was $42,263.97, with debits of $11,239.20 and credits
of $9,326.10, leaving an ending balance of $40,350.87. The Treasurer's report
was accepted and approved, as submitted.
IV. Funding Initiatives
Jed Wright, though not present, sent a report informing the membership that
the Atlantic Salmon Collaborative was again awarded $150,000 from National Fish
and Wildlife Federation. Request for project solicitation will begin in late
March. Matt reported that Project S.H.A.R.E. has been given preliminary approval
of the 319 proposal for Non-Point Source surveys of the Pleasant and Narraguagus
rivers. Kim Erskine is to be the Project Coordinator. Dave Garcelon of the Natural
Resource Conservation Service gave a brief summary of EQUIP funding in the salmon
watersheds of Washington County. To date, there have been 68 contracts completed
totaling $800,000 for farmers over the next five years. Dave is confident that
EQUIP projects will protect Atlantic salmon habitat.
V. Atlantic Salmon
Conservation Plan
Henry Nichols
discussed the Atlantic Salmon
Conservation Plan's Annual Report, and thanked all who mailed their information
into him. The outcome of the report was that a lot of activity has been initiated;
he feels it is an excellent start. Henry pointed out that the 45-day comment
period concerning the content of the report had been established by the National
Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and will close
on March 8, 1999.
VI. Steering Committee
Matt briefed the membership on the Steering Committee meeting held on January
7, 1999, in Bangor. Our financial status and committee reports were discussed.
Reports from the Executive Secretary and Watershed Councils Coordinator were
presented. A plan for the Governor's reception at Columbia Falls was discussed
in detail; Matt will emcee the event. Sharon Behar from River Watch Network
facilitated a productive discussion on designing an efficient functional organization
in the Downeast Region to implement the provisions of the Conservation Plan.
We moved unanimously not to participate in the lawsuit and left it up to individuals
or organizations to make their own choice in the matter.
VII. Executive Secretary
Report
Matt thanked everyone for attending the regular meeting of Project S.H.A.R.E.,
and stated that the annual dues notice will be going out to everyone shortly,
as they are payable in March. Bob and Gary completed Matt's performance evaluation,
and all went well. There have been lots of meetings Downeast, including the
meetings of the Water Use Management Planning Committee. He highlighted the
Governor's visit, with a 97% approval rating. Matt mentioned that the lawsuit
document is now available to everyone for review.
VIII. Standing Committee
Reports
Education Committee
Mike Hill reported that the FORUM on Atlantic salmon
management history and current strategies is scheduled for February 13 at University
of Maine at Machias (UMM), with Dr. Vaughn Anthony as keynote speaker. Matt
is working with Mike to put the finishing touches on the agenda, and are looking
forward to a large turnout. Mike also provided an update on the Fish Friends
program for the Downeast schools. Roger Ryder, Maine Forest Service, announced
that a Best Management Practices workshop will be held at the University of
Maine at Machias on the 9th of February. This is training for all loggers, with
an emphasis on salmon habitat. There is a $45 fee, and plans call for additional
forestry workshops Downeast in the future.
Management Committee
Gregg Horton feels that, because of overlapping issues, the Management Committee
should meet jointly with the Research Committee in the future to develop a mutual
understanding of priorities and foster close coordination of activities.
Research Committee
Bud Brown reported that he has recently taken over as Chair of this Committee.
He plans to attend the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting in Augusta
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.
IX. Project Updates
Watershed Council Representative: Kim
Erskine talked about plans for lecture series with invited speakers to educate
the public and get people involved. Dr. George Jacobson from U of M is to be
the first guest lecturer. He will present his theories on salmon populations
throughout there range at the Wild Salmon Resource Center (WSRC) on February
19 at 7:00 P.M. Kim brought a few comments from the local folks in their watersheds.
Some do not appreciate or understand the Councils' missions. However, if a physical
presence existed, then we might have more volunteers. A place for resources
for each Council is envisioned. If we had a full time grant writer and financial
manager for Project S.H.A.R.E., capacity could be built. Gary recommended this
item be on the Steering Committee agenda for further discussion. Good comments
were made about hands-on activities, and kiosks were fine examples for volunteers.
However, the watersheds need good leaders to be effective.
Watershed Coordinator
/Wild Salmon Resource Center and Pleasant River Hatchery:
Dwayne Shaw reported on his activities as Coordinator of the Downeast Watershed
Coalition. He echoed some of Kim's concerns and voiced concern about the lack
of local participation in watershed councils, and suggested that moving Project
S.H.A.R.E.. meetings around might help improve interest. Matt agreed to look
into meeting site options. Dwayne discussed the Bangor Hydro decision to give
the East Machias property to the Downeast Salmon Federation. He also shared
his vision of how this facility could be a significant benefit to the local
area. Tracy Gamache was introduced as the co-op student from UMM doing the Fish
Friends and educational program at the WSRC. Dwayne has had lots of calls on
the lawsuit and the SSSV disease.
ASA/USF&WS, 1999 Plans for Downeast Rivers: Ed Baum gave us a briefing on the 1999 plans for the Downeast rivers with the cooperative efforts of the Services. This will be part of his presentation at UMM on the 13th. Ed announced Norm Dube's new responsibilities of working on the DPS waters and water quality issues. Ed emphasized the Services' agreement with the Atlantic Salmon Authority, and how important the TAC is for major decisions on Atlantic salmon management in Maine. There is a lot of current work being done and, historically, has been done for Maine's Atlantic salmon program. Ed participates at the international level with ICES and NASCO. Ed provided us with a good summary of 20 years of activity, with excellent data and how it is being used. Also he discussed the proposed 1999 closures of fishing for Atlantic salmon on specific waters, to help protect fish and reduce mortality from angling; hearings are being scheduled for March.
ASA, Salmon Swimbladder
Sarcoma Virus (SSSV) a Retrovirus: Ed gave
us a brief history of the Pleasant River specific stock, and how the virus was
found at the USF&WS North Attleboro Fish Hatchery. Ed emphasized that very
little is known about this virus, and actions taken have been precautionary.
Live fish have been transferred under quarantine to the Leetown, West Virginia
facility for future studies. Testing protocol for all river-specific stocks
at Craig Brook Hatchery is being developed. But, in spite of rumors to the contrary,
there is no plan by the ASA to reclaim or rotenone the Pleasant River!
Downeast RC&D: No report.
X. Congressional Delegation: No report.
XI. Program
Matt introduced Don Witherill, Director of the Watershed Management Division
from DEP, Augusta. Don gave a very lengthy presentation with lots of overheads
showing the history and current organization chart of the Division and responsibilities.
Basically, it has oversight of the non-point source (NPS) water quality program
in Maine. He emphasized that the DEP wants to advocate a successful NPS program
with a high degree of success. He discussed the Atlantic salmon rivers and the
priority waters protocol. The list is an important tool in maintaining quality
of the State's waters. Buffer strip discussion ensued; specifically, why the
25-foot distance setback was used as standard. He explained that it was a judgement
call, and the Legislature accepted it. Don emphasized the need to support new
funding for the State Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Lots of questions
followed throughout the lunch hour.
XII. Other Business. None brought to the table.
Meeting adjourned at 12:10 P.M. The next Project S.H.A.R.E. meeting is scheduled for April 1, 1999.