On April 27, 2007, (Friday morning), the Sears Island Planning Initiative committee holds its final meeting at Searsport Town Hall. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The future of Maine's biggest natural undeveloped non-park island may well hinge on what gets decided then and there, as a brand new committee, sworn to abide by the findings of its now-nearly-defunct predecessor, rises phoenix-like from the ashes of what is feared could be disharmony over two alternatives.
Two key purposes to the meeting, according to a recent email from the quartet that has been running the year long committee: Jonathan Reitman, the hired facilitator, Karin Tilberg, Office of the Governor, Dianne Smith, Town of Searsport, Sue Inches, State Planning Office.
(1) the group of stakeholders that has taken part in this year of meetings will take a last stab at "harmonizing" the still divergent points of view that split them. Two "draft consensus agreements" have been emailed to committee members. Will one, the other or a mixture emerge? Or none?
Daunting: the committee includes cargo port builder wannabes, upper bay town governments, earth first!, land trusts, several grassroots activist groups, shipping and piloting companies, and more.
But don't worry if you can't create a useable synthesis on your own; a subcommittee has been working up such a document and will present it at the Friday meeting. Reitman says that it "harmonizes and reconciles all previous drafts". Really? Hope springs eternal...
(2) A 'Joint Use Planning Committee', with "balanced representation of port development and conservation perspectives" is being set up to further these harmonized, reconciled goals --whatever they be. Nominees are being sought. Reitman says: "If any of you have potential nominees for that group who would represent a particular perspective and who are willing to serve, please send those names to Jonathan as soon as possible (jreitman@blazenetme.net)."
However, the notices makes it clear that to be on the committee, one must support the planned consensus, which may be summarized, perhaps overkindly, as:
"A Sears Island port if necessary, but not necessarily a Sears Island port."
Risky, what? Who decides if a port is necessary on this wild island off Searsport, or simply desirable to some group of interests?
Apr 24, 2007
Maine eels! Protect them lest they go extinct!
Come to the state legislature Wednesday April 25th at 1pm. and speak about "An Act To Protect Native Diadromous Fish during Their Migration"
Eels are vanishing from Maine waters. Maine DEP knows that power turbines and other impacts are the reason why, but shirks its responsibility to protect. This bill both clamps shut major loopholes that let the power industry get away with turning eels to mincemeat AND gives citizens the right to stand up for the eels.
Details below from Friends of Merrymeeting Bay Contact Ed Friedman @ 666-3372 or email at edfomb@gwi.net
"PLEASE COME & TESTIFY Wednesday April 25th 1pm.
WHAT: Joint Public Hearing before two legislature committees at once: Marine Resources and Natural Resources.
WHERE: Room 214, Cross Office Building Augusta
Bill summary from FOMB: This bill requires that dams in this State in all classifications of fresh and estuarine surface waters must provide safe and effective upstream and downstream passage for indigenous diadromous fish. Diadromous fish are those that migrate from fresh to sea water or sea water to fresh water and are known as anadromous and catadromous fish, such as alewives, shad and salmon. It also provides a process for any person to bring a civil action against violators of the requirements.
WHY The BEP is headed towards a probable abdication of its responsibilities in their response to our petitions. It's up to the legislature to hear our cry and that of our fish and fishermen.
Eels are vanishing from Maine waters. Maine DEP knows that power turbines and other impacts are the reason why, but shirks its responsibility to protect. This bill both clamps shut major loopholes that let the power industry get away with turning eels to mincemeat AND gives citizens the right to stand up for the eels.
Details below from Friends of Merrymeeting Bay Contact Ed Friedman @ 666-3372 or email at edfomb@gwi.net
"PLEASE COME & TESTIFY Wednesday April 25th 1pm.
WHAT: Joint Public Hearing before two legislature committees at once: Marine Resources and Natural Resources.
WHERE: Room 214, Cross Office Building Augusta
Bill summary from FOMB: This bill requires that dams in this State in all classifications of fresh and estuarine surface waters must provide safe and effective upstream and downstream passage for indigenous diadromous fish. Diadromous fish are those that migrate from fresh to sea water or sea water to fresh water and are known as anadromous and catadromous fish, such as alewives, shad and salmon. It also provides a process for any person to bring a civil action against violators of the requirements.
WHY The BEP is headed towards a probable abdication of its responsibilities in their response to our petitions. It's up to the legislature to hear our cry and that of our fish and fishermen.
Apr 18, 2007
Penobscot Bay Foghorn Duet - Now on CD
Listen to the haunting call-and-chant of two great lighthouse horns guarding the rocky entry to Penobscot Bay's Rockland Harbor one cool thick-fogged spring morning hour. Enjoy a minute-long mp3 sample.
Joining the foghorns in song, a departing fishing boat and arriving ferry meld their own cries with those of gulls and songbirds, underlain by the wash and gurgle of the Gulf of Maine beating time on the stony Owls Head shore below. An hour long hybrid symphony of humanity reaching out to Nature, and Her eternal reply.
Order an hour of eternity, while helping protect Penobscot Bay from pollution and marina sprawl: click here for ordering details
Joining the foghorns in song, a departing fishing boat and arriving ferry meld their own cries with those of gulls and songbirds, underlain by the wash and gurgle of the Gulf of Maine beating time on the stony Owls Head shore below. An hour long hybrid symphony of humanity reaching out to Nature, and Her eternal reply.
Order an hour of eternity, while helping protect Penobscot Bay from pollution and marina sprawl: click here for ordering details
MDEP nixes Samoset pier! Rockland Breakwater lobstering saved!
Rockland harbor lobstering, recreational fishing saved from resort pier plan.
Maine Department of Environmental Protection has rejected a proposal by Samorock to build a 550 foot pier in the scenic and fishery-rich waters adjacent to the Rockland Breakwater. The agency cited impacts to irreplaceable scenic resources, and noted the proposal's potential impacts to existing lobstering, recreational fishing and swimming uses of the site.
Maine DEP permit reviewer James Cassida wrote today: " The denial was issued by the Department on April 12th."
Rockland harbor lobsterman Arthur Johnson said "A lot of fishermen depend on Rockland harbor for their living. This is prime fishing area and next to a National Historic Landmark. This area should be protected forever from development of this type."
This marks the second time opponents of Samoset's pier plans have prevailed.
The city of Rockland's harbor commission has received a proposal to zone the harbor waters near the breakwater as a lobster fishing area. This would prevent future attempts at encroachment by marina sprawl wannabes.
Samoset has threatened to block public access to the historic breakwater if it didn't get its way. It is also seeking a zoning change from the city of Rockland allowing it to double the density of condominiums it has proposed to build near the breakwater.
Fat chance on either!
Apr 12, 2007
Sturgeon are surging!. On Aril 25th help them and all Maine's migratory fishes.
Friends of Marymeeting Bay urges your help in supporting a bill tto bring to a decent end the struggle to free from river blocking dams, the eels, shad and salmon that naturally migrate in and out of the Kennebec, Penobscot, and other Maine rivers, as do many other species.
On April 25 at one pm in the state house, it all comes to a boil, with a joint
Marine Resources and Natural Resources Committees hearing 4/25 at 1pm on
LD 1528: An Act To Protect Native Diadromous Fish during Their Migration.
If passed, Maine state law will read:
38 MRSA §465, sub-§5. All waters. Dams in all classifications of fresh and estuarine surface waters must provide safe and effective upstream and downstream passage for indigenous anadromous and catadromous migratory fish, including eels. For every day this fish passage is not in effect, the dam owner may be automatically fined not less than $1,000 by the department or other appropriate state agency.
The official bill summary reads: "This bill requires that dams in this State in all classifications of fresh and estuarine surface waters must provide safe and effective upstream and downstream passage for indigenous diadromous fish. Diadromous fish are those that migrate from fresh to sea water or sea water to fresh water and are known as anadromous and catadramous fish, such as alewives, shad and salmon. It also provides a process for any person to bring a civil action against violators of the requirements."
Contact Ed Friedman of Friends of Merrymeeting Bay for more info. edfomb AT gwi.net
On April 25 at one pm in the state house, it all comes to a boil, with a joint
Marine Resources and Natural Resources Committees hearing 4/25 at 1pm on
LD 1528: An Act To Protect Native Diadromous Fish during Their Migration.
If passed, Maine state law will read:
38 MRSA §465, sub-§5. All waters. Dams in all classifications of fresh and estuarine surface waters must provide safe and effective upstream and downstream passage for indigenous anadromous and catadromous migratory fish, including eels. For every day this fish passage is not in effect, the dam owner may be automatically fined not less than $1,000 by the department or other appropriate state agency.
The official bill summary reads: "This bill requires that dams in this State in all classifications of fresh and estuarine surface waters must provide safe and effective upstream and downstream passage for indigenous diadromous fish. Diadromous fish are those that migrate from fresh to sea water or sea water to fresh water and are known as anadromous and catadramous fish, such as alewives, shad and salmon. It also provides a process for any person to bring a civil action against violators of the requirements."
Contact Ed Friedman of Friends of Merrymeeting Bay for more info. edfomb AT gwi.net
Apr 7, 2007
Rockland Breakwater - DEP's draft denial and the final comment countdown!
It's only four days until the Maine DEP pounds the last nail into the coffee of the undead Samoset Pier. Help them swing the mallet by sending them your comments by close of business April 11, 2007. Email them to
James.Cassida(AT)maine.gov Use subject line: Samorock Pier application.
Below is an article by Melissa Waterman from the latest issue of Free Press Online summing up where things stand. Let Jim know that the pier would unacceptably and permanently degrade the water quality of the lobster-rich ecosystem of the northern end of Rockland Harbor.
DEP Issues Draft Denial of Samoset’s Pier Application
— by Melissa Waterman
Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued a preliminary denial of Samoset Resort’s application to construct a 12-foot-wide, 550-foot wooden pier, 50-foot ramp and 140-float system off its property in Rockland. According to Jim Cassida, Licensing Coordinator within the Bureau of Land and Water Quality in the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, “This is a draft denial, typical in larger projects. It allows all interested parties to review and comment. It’s the final opportunity for the applicant to overcome the objections contained in the draft denial.”
At the request of Samorock LLC, which owns the Samoset, DEP has extended the comment period on the draft to April 11. A final decision will not be issued until some time after that comment period is over. Appeals of final decisions go to the Board of Environmental Protection. “It is rare for an appeal to happen, but I fully expect an appeal in this case,” said Cassida.
The draft denial concluded that the proposed activity would “unreasonably interfere with existing scenic, aesthetic, recreational, and navigational uses,” and “would unreasonably harm a significant wildlife habitat.”
Following are excerpts from the findings in the preliminary denial:
“After reviewing the evidence in the record and viewing the project site, the Department finds that there is at least one practicable alternative to the project that would be less damaging to the environment. In particular, the applicant could use the existing marina facilities within Rockland Harbor as well as their existing ramp and float located on the breakwater. The applicant could provide a shuttle service to the marina facilities within Rockland Harbor and a harbor shuttle to transport residents and guests of the Samoset Resort to and from their boats located on a mooring within the established mooring area in Rockland Harbor.… Given that the construction of the proposed pier, ramp and float would result in a permanent loss of wetland area, as well as additional impacts to the wetland; and that the applicant has access to the water through existing marina facilities within close proximity to the development site, the Department finds that the applicant has not adequately demonstrated avoidance of impacts to the coastal wetland....
“IF&W [Inland Fisheries & Wildlife] stated that the construction of a pier, ramp and float system at this location will result in a loss of habitat functions and values. However, IF&W views that loss of habitat functions and values as not having an unreasonable impact to wildlife habitat.... The Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) commented that some loss of habitat functions and values may occur through displacement of the traditional lobster fishing area. However, DMR concluded that the proposal for a pier at this location would not have an unreasonable adverse impact on marine habitat.... Given that the construction of the proposed pier would result in a loss of habitat functions and value; and that the applicant has boating access to the water through its already existing structure and could have access through facilities within the Rockland anchorage, the Department finds that the applicant has not adequately demonstrated avoidance of impacts to marine wildlife and fisheries habitat.”
“…The Department has determined that two of the scenic vistas examined will be significantly adversely affected through construction of the proposed 740-foot pier, ramp and float. The scenic impact will occur to views from the Marie H. Reed Memorial Park, which serves as the primary access point for the public to the Rockland breakwater and the harbor/beach area at the base of the proposed pier....
“In consideration of these criteria the Department finds that the applicant has failed to demonstrate that the proposed pier, ramp and float will not dominate the landscape from the public viewpoint at both Marie H. Reed Park and the beach/harbor area at the base of the proposed pier structure. For the users of the coastal wetland, such as people walking along the intertidal area, and boaters, the pier would be a significant visual intrusion, traversing the entire width of the intertidal area. While persons walking the intertidal area would be able to pass beneath the dock, the dock would dominate the landscape and partially obstruct and/or fragment the view along the intertidal area towards the Rockland breakwater and across Rockland Harbor, significantly detracting from the visual and aesthetic quality of the resource and thereby interfering with this use of the coastal wetland. Additionally, the proposed pier, ramp and float will displace some traditional fishing area resulting in an impact on this traditional use and navigation within this portion of Rockland Harbor.”
James.Cassida(AT)maine.gov Use subject line: Samorock Pier application.
Below is an article by Melissa Waterman from the latest issue of Free Press Online summing up where things stand. Let Jim know that the pier would unacceptably and permanently degrade the water quality of the lobster-rich ecosystem of the northern end of Rockland Harbor.
DEP Issues Draft Denial of Samoset’s Pier Application
— by Melissa Waterman
Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued a preliminary denial of Samoset Resort’s application to construct a 12-foot-wide, 550-foot wooden pier, 50-foot ramp and 140-float system off its property in Rockland. According to Jim Cassida, Licensing Coordinator within the Bureau of Land and Water Quality in the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, “This is a draft denial, typical in larger projects. It allows all interested parties to review and comment. It’s the final opportunity for the applicant to overcome the objections contained in the draft denial.”
At the request of Samorock LLC, which owns the Samoset, DEP has extended the comment period on the draft to April 11. A final decision will not be issued until some time after that comment period is over. Appeals of final decisions go to the Board of Environmental Protection. “It is rare for an appeal to happen, but I fully expect an appeal in this case,” said Cassida.
The draft denial concluded that the proposed activity would “unreasonably interfere with existing scenic, aesthetic, recreational, and navigational uses,” and “would unreasonably harm a significant wildlife habitat.”
Following are excerpts from the findings in the preliminary denial:
“After reviewing the evidence in the record and viewing the project site, the Department finds that there is at least one practicable alternative to the project that would be less damaging to the environment. In particular, the applicant could use the existing marina facilities within Rockland Harbor as well as their existing ramp and float located on the breakwater. The applicant could provide a shuttle service to the marina facilities within Rockland Harbor and a harbor shuttle to transport residents and guests of the Samoset Resort to and from their boats located on a mooring within the established mooring area in Rockland Harbor.… Given that the construction of the proposed pier, ramp and float would result in a permanent loss of wetland area, as well as additional impacts to the wetland; and that the applicant has access to the water through existing marina facilities within close proximity to the development site, the Department finds that the applicant has not adequately demonstrated avoidance of impacts to the coastal wetland....
“IF&W [Inland Fisheries & Wildlife] stated that the construction of a pier, ramp and float system at this location will result in a loss of habitat functions and values. However, IF&W views that loss of habitat functions and values as not having an unreasonable impact to wildlife habitat.... The Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) commented that some loss of habitat functions and values may occur through displacement of the traditional lobster fishing area. However, DMR concluded that the proposal for a pier at this location would not have an unreasonable adverse impact on marine habitat.... Given that the construction of the proposed pier would result in a loss of habitat functions and value; and that the applicant has boating access to the water through its already existing structure and could have access through facilities within the Rockland anchorage, the Department finds that the applicant has not adequately demonstrated avoidance of impacts to marine wildlife and fisheries habitat.”
“…The Department has determined that two of the scenic vistas examined will be significantly adversely affected through construction of the proposed 740-foot pier, ramp and float. The scenic impact will occur to views from the Marie H. Reed Memorial Park, which serves as the primary access point for the public to the Rockland breakwater and the harbor/beach area at the base of the proposed pier....
“In consideration of these criteria the Department finds that the applicant has failed to demonstrate that the proposed pier, ramp and float will not dominate the landscape from the public viewpoint at both Marie H. Reed Park and the beach/harbor area at the base of the proposed pier structure. For the users of the coastal wetland, such as people walking along the intertidal area, and boaters, the pier would be a significant visual intrusion, traversing the entire width of the intertidal area. While persons walking the intertidal area would be able to pass beneath the dock, the dock would dominate the landscape and partially obstruct and/or fragment the view along the intertidal area towards the Rockland breakwater and across Rockland Harbor, significantly detracting from the visual and aesthetic quality of the resource and thereby interfering with this use of the coastal wetland. Additionally, the proposed pier, ramp and float will displace some traditional fishing area resulting in an impact on this traditional use and navigation within this portion of Rockland Harbor.”
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