Minutes
Project S.H.A.R.E.
Whitneyville Community Club
Whitneyville, Maine
June 12, 2003

I. Introductions/Anti-Trust

Chairman Donovan called the meeting to order at 9:37 A.M. and welcomed the 28 people in attendance to the 55th meeting of Project S.H.A.R.E. After the general introductions, Chairman Donovan read the Anti-Trust guidelines.

II. Past Minutes

Chairman Donovan asked the membership for any errors or omissions to the April 10th minutes that were mailed. There was a motion by Matt Scott, second by Bob Chase to accept the minutes. Approved.

III. Treasurers Report

Steven Koenig gave a summary of the Treasurers Report and funding initiatives. Motion to accept by Bob Hinton, second by Morten Moesswilde. Approved.

IV. Report of Executive Director and Board of Directors

The minutes of the June 5th, 2003 Board meeting were reviewed. Of note, the State of Maine legislature has approved a bill that will allow state employees representing state agency members of Project SHARE to service on the Board of Directors. It is anticipated that this will go into effect in September or October.

V. Guest Speakers

1. Land Acquisition and conservation easements in Downeast Maine – Joel Pickelner (QRLT) and Dwayne Shaw (DSF)

Joel and Dwayne discussed current land acquisition activities along the five Downeast Atlantic salmon rivers. All transaction involves a “willing buyer, willing seller” philosophy. As a first choice, donated conservation easements or land are encouraged. When successful, donations may be used as match for other purchases. Joel explained what a conservation easement is and provided a handout “Conservation Options” that provided further explanation. With an easement the land ownership does not change. An easement only places agreed upon restrictions on the land. The current standard for restrictions of land use protects a 330’ riparian corridor. Current efforts are focusing on developing stewardship funds and plans. Dwayne followed up with a power point presentation of current land acquisition activity on the five Downeast rivers.

2. Atlantic Salmon River Specific Stocking Program – Tom King (USFWS)

Tom began with an overview of hatchery operations at the Craig Brook Federal Hatchery. Protocols at the hatchery have been developed to maintain isolated rearing of river specific DPS fish. A database genetically identifies each brood fish. Matings are 1 male to 1 female and each family is tracked through development. Tom described the process of spawning through fry stocking. Follow-up questions involved an explanation of management decisions that currently support a river specific stocking program.

3. Update of Activities from the Atlantic Salmon Commission – Joan Trial

Joan provided a power point presentation that discussed the importance of reducing vectors that would allow passage of pathogens from one DPS watershed to another. Field crews have protocols in place to clean and disinfect equipment that is used in multiple watersheds. Others working on the rivers are encouraged to reduce the possibility of transporting pathogens between watersheds also.

An update of adult returns to date is 179 fish at the Veazie Trap on the Penobscot River and 1 fish to the Narraguagus.

4. Implications of Acid Related Water Chemistry: pilot river buffering project -Steven Koenig (SHARE)

Steven provided some background information on pH related water chemistry and its effects on Atlantic salmon. A workshop hosted by SHARE and ASF concluded that water chemistry in the Downeast Rivers is negatively impacting freshwater life stages of Atlantic salmon. A task force has been organized within the SHARE research committee to begin investigating the implementation of a pilot water chemistry enhancement project.

5. KRIS Software Database – Pat Higgins

KRIS is database management software developed by a California based consulting firm. Pat provided a detailed power point presentation and handouts describing its applications. He is currently working with the Sheepscot River Watershed Council to develop a pilot information system.

VI. There being no other business the meeting adjourned at 12:05 P.M.

The next meeting is August 14, 2003 at the Hillgrove Community Center.