I. Introductions/Anti-Trust

Chair Alan Brooks called the meeting to order at 9:40 A.M. and welcomed the 27 people in attendance to the 75th meeting of Project S.H.A.R.E. After the general introductions, Mr. Brooks read the Anti-Trust guidelines.

II. Past Minutes

There was a motion by John Burrows, second by Sherrie Sprangers, to accept the minutes as presented. Motion passed.

III. Treasurers Report

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

IV. Watershed Council Report

Tracey Gamache (Pleasant/Narraguagus) reported that a group is:

• finishing up water chemistry assessment this field season
• working with local schools
• hosted a successful canoe trip
• working with DERLT on NPS stabilization on land trust property

Bill Cherry (Machias/E. Machias) reported on current activities including:

• assisting SHARE with WHIP passage projects and riparian buffer planting
• assisting ATV groups with NPS stabilization
• assisting a new landowner/developer in the Old Stream watershed
• monitoring the Machias easement and outreach

V. Cooperative Conservation

Gary Donovan presented a historical summary of SHARE’s development and mission. He noted that SHARE is all about Relationship Building. From the beginning SHARE has tried to be a source of cutting edge information. Gary discussed challenges of the times, the creation of SHARE, and focus of activities from 1994 to present. In summary, Gary commented on how SHARE has far exceeded his expectations. He attributes it to the atmosphere that promotes a comfort level in communication, the central focus on the resource, and the development of trust SHARE has both from the agencies and the land base. He also noted that change is constant. Champion, International Paper, and Georgia Pacific are no longer on the land base. With his parting words, Gary recommended that SHARE continue to adapt to the changes, focus on the founding principles, and stay true to the voluntary cooperative approach.

Marvin Moriarty (USFWS) began his discussion with his observations of SHARE as a dynamic, enduring organization that has been recognized as a model for Cooperative Conservation. He then revealed the true agenda for the day, a tribute to Gary Donovan for his contribution to SHARE with over a decade of leadership to the organization. Marvin presented Gary with the USFWS NE Region’s Silver Eagle Award for his outstanding contributions to conservation.

The remainder of the meeting was set aside allowing Gary’s friends and colleagues to comment on and pay tribute to him as he approaches retirement.

VI. Other Business

There being no other business, the meeting adjourned at 11:50.

The next meeting is December 14, 2006 at the Hillgrove Community Center.

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