Bay History. 2021. Third time's the charm. Upstream Watch takes up the Penobscot Water Keeper mantle.

 Penobscot Baykeeper Proposal Rises Again.

In 2021 ENGO Upstream Watch explores Penobscot Baykeeping

BACKGROUND

UW was approached by  Ron Huber executive director of Waterkeeper Alliance affiliate Friends of Penobscot Bay, in April 2021 to inquire about UW’s ability to take over the Baykeeper duties in light of his impending retirement. 

UW’s board has approved a formal exploration of this issue, including financial implications, as the current Baykeeper operates as a self-funded individual. UW’s current scope of service is Little River, Goose River, Belfast Harbor, and coastal Northport. 

PROPOSAL 

We are actively exploring the possibility that UW will take responsibility for protection of Penobscot Bay and its watersheds. While this would significantly expand UW’s geographic reach, the protection of local watersheds is the core of our mission and is well-served by our experiences, knowledge, and existing relationships.

 An additional, strengthening element to this proposal would be a collaboration with an as yet not formed Penobscot Riverkeeper in order to maximize impact, geographic reach, and to take advantage of organizational, fundraising, grassroots support, and advocacy synergies. Ideally the Riverkeeper partner would be identified by the Penobscot Nation and we will create a full proposal collaboratively. 

STRATEGIES 

Our key strategies may include, but are not limited to:

• Identify, catalog, assess, and plan to address the wide variety of current, legacy, and emerging threats to the Penobscot River system and Bay. This may include:

• Hiring appropriate scientific and legal support, 

• Strategizing with legislators to meet our goals and organizing to protect against harmful legislative developments.

• Initiating and maintaining monitoring, reporting, and documentation programs.  

• Form an organizational coalition with existing and new ally organizations to identify who can address which priorities, where we can collaborate better, and how to best gather and share resources for maximum impact.

• 
  

• Maintain active involvement in permitting, litigation, monitoring, legislation, and all other areas that pose a threat to the health of the Penobscot Bay watershed. 

• 
  

• Energize a network of grassroots activists, volunteers, citizen scientists, and advocates to support watershed health.

Possible Staffing Configuration

2 to 4 part-time employees including a Penobscot Baykeeper, Penobscot Riverkeeper, and other communications, administrative, or fundraising support.  

PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS  

Partners may include, but are not limited to:

(gray= not yet approached)

• Sierra Club, already supportive 

• Penobscot Nation 

• Friends of Belfast Bay 

• Down East Salmon Federation 

• Atlantic Salmon Federation 

• Trout Unlimited

• Sportsman’s alliance of Maine

• Coastal Mt LT

• Isleboro Islands Landtrust 

• Environmental Priorities Coalition Members

• others 

NEXT STEPS

1. Invite Penobscot Nation to be involved in the project, shape its development, and name their needs;

2. Develop mutually agreed upon work plan with specific objectives, resource needs (budget), ideal staffing configuration, and action steps;

3. Build a wider grassroots and organizational coalition around the draft work plan; and   

4. Approach funding organizations, individuals, and other types of supporters. 

QUESTIONS 

• Should Penobscot Bay/Riverkeeper be a project of UW? A coalition? A new 501c3 org?

•  How will decision making work? 

• What can the Waterkeepers international organization do to assist these projects?