I. Introductions/Anti-Trust
Chairman Chandler called the meeting to order at 9:36
A.M. and welcomed the 33 people in attendance to the 45th meeting of Project
S.H.A.R.E. After the general introductions, Chairman Chandler then read
the Anti-Trust guidelines.
II. Past Minutes
Chairman Chandler asked the membership for any errors
or omissions to the Augusta 9th, 2001 minutes that were mailed. Motion
by Sherrie Sprangers, second by Ron Brokaw to accept the minutes as distributed.
The minutes were approved.
III. Treasurers Report
Steven Koenig gave a summary of the Treasurers Report
prepared by Ed Hennessey. Motion to accept by Gary Donovan, second by
Mark Whiting. Approved.
IV. Funding Initiatives
Steven Koenig presented a summary of funded contracts
that are in place plus a list of projects that are in the initial stages
of being developed.
V. Atlantic Salmon Conservation
Plan/ASC Update
No report.
VI. Steering Committee Report
Steven Koenig reported on the September Steering Committee
meeting at the Little Falls Field Station. Motion by Alan Brooks, second
by Bob Hinton to accept the report passed. A copy of the minutes is attached
for reference.
VII. Executive Director's
Report
Steven Koenig presented a brief summary to the recent
tour that was sponsored by SHARE and NMFS. Participants included biologists,
writers of the federal Recovery Plan, Watershed Council members and other
interested parties. The status of the GIS lab at Little Falls was also
presented.
VIII. Standing Committee Reports
Management and Research Committees: Mark Whiting
reported on committee activities. The committee met last week to create a
matrix of task they would be focusing on.
Education Committee: Peter Steenstra reported that the Committee met September 27th and will meet again on October 18th. Meetings are at 9:30 at the Machias Savings Bank. They discussed funding of a housing for a digital video camera. Another funding source has been located. Jacob van de Sande, educator at the WSRC, described the fall curriculum he has developed for grade school and high school classes. It is tied to the State of Maine Learning Results.
IX. Project Updates
Watershed Councils Activities:
Sheepscot - Melissa reported that they are finishing several projects. They are looking at overboard discharges in the watershed. The 2002 work plan for the council has been completed.
Narraguagus - Charlie reported that the Council has approval from LURC for office space in Cherryfield. The West Branch Trail project had another work bee last Sunday. The ATV Bridge on the Little Narraguagus has been built. October 25th they will host an informational meeting for local ATV riders interested in forming a club. The CHAMP is ongoing with has been completed. Barbara Arter reported that stakeholders in the watershed are actively involved in the watershed management plan. Current discussions include agricultural land use. October 27th IP will give a public presentation on logging road BMP's. Barbara is attempting to collect all data and reports on the Narraguagus. Please refer her to any you know are available.
Pleasant - Dwayne Shaw reported that the canoe trip was well attended (25 people). They will prepare a display at the Fish and Game Club of National Fish and Hunting Day. Riparian protection efforts continue. Another parcel is in the process of being acquired. NPS prioritization for next year has begun. Saco Falls fish-way is in need of repair. Input from ASC is needed.Dennys - Bob Hinton reported on activities on the Denny's. Joan Trial was guest speaker at the fall picnic. Funding for NPS site restoration is being sought. They are waiting for additional funds for the Venture Brook project.
E. Machias - Sherrie Sprangers reported that funding is in place for the Munson Rips ATV bridge and they are working on the permits. The fish ladder at Gardner Lake will be repaired. The Council will be prioritizing NPS sites for projects for next year. A recent meeting on the fish weir was well attended. The Board of Appeals will make a decision by month end. The Dam removal project will have a November event that will receive another award.
Machias - Jerry Zegers reported that the Whitneyville Boat launch and Sandy Beach projects are nearly completed. Membership recruitment is a priority.Dwayne Shaw presented a summary of recent coalition activities. A hand out was distributed which summarized council activities. The Councils will be well represented at the Restoration Conference on Monday.
DSF/WSRC/PRH Report: Dwayne Shaw presented a brief summary of recent activities at the WSRC.
X. Congressional Delegation: No report.
XI. Maine Legislators: No report.
XII. Water Quality sampling: Mark Whiting will be meeting with the Councils to discuss their involvement in monitoring and plans for next year. Funding continues to be an issue.
XIII. Program
Dave Garcelon presented information on the PL83-566 Watershed
Management Plan for the Pleasant and Narraguagus Rivers. This is a National
Program; prior projects in Maine include a 7-year project on the Kenduskeg.
It is a three-phase program involving 1) surveys, 2) management phase, and
3) implementation. Resource inventory analysis by NRCS staff will not duplicate
other efforts that are currently in place. The programs locally led. Sponsors
include WCSWC and the Maine Blueberry Industry. During the implementation
phase, cost sharing has a 25% match. Stakeholders include the Watershed Councils
and other NGO's. An advisory panel will be formed. There was a motion by Alan
Brooks, second by John Burrows for Project SHARE to formally support this
effort as a stakeholder. Approved. Stephen Page, Environmental Compliance
Officer for Atlantic Salmon of Maine, gave a power point presentation of the
companies Best Management Practices, containment issues, and their efforts
to coexist with wild Atlantic salmon.
XIV. Other Business: Alan Brooks announced that QRLT will be hosting a workshop on vernal pools Saturday 9:30 at the Suffolk University Field Station.
Meeting adjourned at 12:12 P.M. Motion by Morten Moesswilde, Second by Charlie Corliss. Approved. The next meeting is December 13, 2001 at the Hillgrove Community Center.