Minutes
Project S.H.A.R.E.
Airline Diner/Snack Bar
T22MD - near Beddington, Maine
October 5, 2000
I. Introductions/Anti-Trust
Vice Chairman Bob Chandler, taking Chairman Donovans vacancy for this meeting
called us to order at 9:40 A.M. and welcomed the 37 people in attendance to
the thirty-ninth 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 for any errors or omissions
to the August 3, 2000, minutes that were mailed. Hearing none, the Vice Chair
called for a motion to approve. The minutes were approved as written.
V. Atlantic Salmon Conservation Plan/ASC Update
Henry Nichols Discussed the ASC supplemental budget and how funding is being
made available to the Councils. He reported on the DEP water quality monitoring
position that is funded from the supplemental budget. Henry also reported on
the land protection specialist that is also being funded by the ASC for the
downeast area. He discussed the annual report being prepared for the plan and
has asked all appropriate groups to respond.
VI. Steering Committee Report
Bob Chandler reported on the possibility of a location change for the SHARE
meetings, the nomination Committee and elections. We had ten Steering Committee
members at the Bangor meeting. Bob briefly discussed the screening process for
the new Director/Fundraiser and we were reducing the candidates to a short list
for interviews. SHARE has agreed to support the NRWC position on the Cherryfield
sand and salt pile removal program.
VII. Executive Secretarys Report
Matt gave a briefing of his work over the past two months managing the grants
and contracts of which the bulk of funding comes from the ASC. Matt also mentioned
that the DRWC strategic plan is about to be completed, which will finish that
small TNC contract. Matt mentioned the mini-conference on Climate Change and
Acid Rain to be held at the UMM on Monday the 23rd of October with 5 UofM scientists.
This is in collaboration with Dr. Sherri Sprangers and the UMM Science Club,
funded by NMFS and helps continue SHAREs presence downeast. Matt has coordinated
this entire event. Matt also mentioned the cooperation with Ron Brokaw for the
debris dam removals on old stream. Matt has been invited to the UofM for the
Senator George J. Mitchell Center dedication. Matt mentioned a very successful
meeting he and Fred Kircheis had with Pat Flood of IP in Augusta. Pat certainly
sees Gary Donovans work as a jewel for IP and he will be supporting Project
SHARE.
Standing Committee Reports
Management and Research Committees
Norm Dube also gave us a briefing on the debris dam removal effort. Matt asked
a question if annual funding is need for such activities. We should buget funds
for future work. He discussed the transfer of adult salmon from the aquaculture
pens for stocking. Greg Mackey gave us the numbers as follows for about 800
two- three year sea winter fish, with an average weight of 14 lbs; Dennys, 120,
Machias, 150, East Machias, 16 and St Croix, 500. All fish are river specific
stocks except for the St Croix. These fish will be distributed throughout the
habitat. A number of questions ensued.
Education Committee
Mike Hill has officially resigned and Matt mentioned the mini-conference workshop
on climate change and acid rain to be held at UMM. Also an opinion survey will
be conducted for the downeast area soon.
VIII. Project Updates
Water Quality sampling Stations
Mark Whiting, DEP Biologist gave us an update on his work with 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, held at the Dennys
River Sportsmans Club. Dean Bradshaw would like some input from the watershed
councils in the selection of the land acquisition person since the councils
will be working with this person. This was a good briefing and the next meeting
will be in East Machias.
Watershed Councils Coordinator Report
Dwayne Shaw briefed us all with a handout on his work. He gave us examples of
the councils work through volunteers. He told us that Maggie Martin, the new
AmeriCorps person for the DSF is doing a great job assisting and educating the
local citizenry. 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. Dwayne reported on the PRWC efforts to acquire a piece of land that
is prime Atlantic salmon habitat in need of protection
DSF/WSRC/PRH Report
Dwayne reported that the Wild Salmon Resource Center (WSRC) continues to provide
education through Maggie Martins efforts and she handed out a poster to encourage
how to get more people involved as volunteers. He says they hope to raise brook
trout eggs again this year at the Hatchery.
X. Congressional Delegation
Bill Vail from Senator Collins office gave us a good report
on the new Federal funding story and his work, which will be processed through
the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. He also filled us in on the Conservation
And Reinvestment Act (CARA). We all thanked Bill for his efforts in working
with Fred. Bill emphasized the work and effort Bucky has put into the CARA bill.
The bill is about to be funded in some way for the future of fish and wildlife
in Maine and the nation. Bucky has been a great volunteer in this project.
XI. Maine Legislators: No report.
XIII. Program:
Matt Scott introduced our program speaker Dr. Terry Haines, Fishery Research
Biologist with the USGS, BRD stationed at the University of Maine. Terry gave
us all a detailed overview of the mercury issue its etiology and how it enters
the environment. The most significant, is the burning of fossil fuels. A great
deal of mercury is being stored in soils and any significant disruptions allow
mercury to be released in amounts that are environmentally harmful. The take
home message on this is to protect soils from significant erosion and we reduce
mercury impact. He outlined the impact of mercury on fish, loons, and eagles.
He discussed the history of its discovery in Maine waters and how it is related
to long-range transport from atmospheric deposition. Atmospheric monitoring
stations located in Maine are documenting mercury deposition and pH. He had
an excellent slide presentation and discussed the complexity of the issues.
Then he discussed the pH problem of being critical at 5.0 or lower. The most
sensitive fish are minnows, brook trout, small-mouth bass trout and Atlantic
salmon. The pH and aluminum complex is viewed on how the lower pH clogs up the
fish gills, restricting respiration. Again long range transport is the problem
and reducing emissions at their source is the solution. Numerous questions ensued.
Meeting adjourned at 12:15 P.M. The next meeting is December 7, 2000 at the Airline Diner/Snack Bar.