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.”
Mar 5, 2007
Catching lobsters with a dragger on the Maine coast.
Catching Lobsters with a groundfish trawler along the Maine coast
Click this link for photographs from two successive "tows" of dragging gear by the Maine/New Hampshire trawl survey in the waters of outer Penobscot Bay--from the initial haul-in of the net to the dumping out of the (primarily) lobster catches.
(Excerpted from Maine Department of Marine Resources annual trawl surveys of the state's marine waters. 2000 footage.)
Click this link for photographs from two successive "tows" of dragging gear by the Maine/New Hampshire trawl survey in the waters of outer Penobscot Bay--from the initial haul-in of the net to the dumping out of the (primarily) lobster catches.
(Excerpted from Maine Department of Marine Resources annual trawl surveys of the state's marine waters. 2000 footage.)
Mar 3, 2007
Chilloa-ing effect on free speech at Maine Fishermen's Forum
Struggle to protect nearshore fishing grounds divides forum organizers. Opponents of efforts by the Samoset Resort to gain state permission to build a 550 foot yacht pier in a nearby Rockland Harbor commercial lobstering area brought their grievances to the Maine Fishermen's Forum in the form of a flyer featuring a photo of a lobsterman fishing the area that would be "taken" by the Samoset for its pier, floats, dozens of moorings and its no-fishing yacht access lanes.
The popular Fishermen's Forum brings hundreds of Maine lobstermen and other fishworkers together each year for three days of networking and seminars on the industry, marine science and fishery regulations
The flier about the breakwater controversy was liberally distributed throughout the Forums' display table areas on several days.
On Saturday, copies of it reached Samoset officials, and shortly after that, a grim-faced Chilloa Young, forum organizer, stalked through the halls with Maine SeaGrant official Paul Anderson sheepishly in tow, seizing about half of the offending literature before it was taken up by fishermen browsing over the dozens of display tables.
Asked if she had vetted all fliers at the Forum, or was quashing the lobstermen's complaint at the bidding of the resort, Young said that only those that paid for display space could distribute fliers at the event. (Needless to say, a small but significant percentage of the fliers at the Forum were from groups that had NOT paid for space, but being inoffensive to the owners of the facility, remained on display.)
The flier's distributors learned an important lesson: the bright red headlines of the second wave of fliers made them easy prey for the censors. The black and white version distributed Thursday apparently escaped their attention.
The incident showed both the clout of the well-connected Samoset resort's owners, who are being represented before state environmental agencies by the governor's brother Robert Baldacci, and the timidity of the commercial fishing industry's boosters in Maine, who frequently look the other way when big development projects gnaw away important inshore fishing grounds. Tsk tsk Chilloa and Paul...Whose side are you on, anyway?
The popular Fishermen's Forum brings hundreds of Maine lobstermen and other fishworkers together each year for three days of networking and seminars on the industry, marine science and fishery regulations
The flier about the breakwater controversy was liberally distributed throughout the Forums' display table areas on several days.
On Saturday, copies of it reached Samoset officials, and shortly after that, a grim-faced Chilloa Young, forum organizer, stalked through the halls with Maine SeaGrant official Paul Anderson sheepishly in tow, seizing about half of the offending literature before it was taken up by fishermen browsing over the dozens of display tables.
Asked if she had vetted all fliers at the Forum, or was quashing the lobstermen's complaint at the bidding of the resort, Young said that only those that paid for display space could distribute fliers at the event. (Needless to say, a small but significant percentage of the fliers at the Forum were from groups that had NOT paid for space, but being inoffensive to the owners of the facility, remained on display.)
The flier's distributors learned an important lesson: the bright red headlines of the second wave of fliers made them easy prey for the censors. The black and white version distributed Thursday apparently escaped their attention.
The incident showed both the clout of the well-connected Samoset resort's owners, who are being represented before state environmental agencies by the governor's brother Robert Baldacci, and the timidity of the commercial fishing industry's boosters in Maine, who frequently look the other way when big development projects gnaw away important inshore fishing grounds. Tsk tsk Chilloa and Paul...Whose side are you on, anyway?
Feb 19, 2007
Lower Penobscot River Watershed Coalition meets Feb 26, Bangor.
Like Penobscot Bay, the tidal Penobscot River plays an important role in the fish and wildlife ecology of the Gulf of Maine. The Lower Penobscot Watershed Coalition is meeting February 26th from 10:00am – 2:00pm, at the Fish &Wildlife Building, 650 State Street, Bangor, ME to discuss protecting and restoring these values. The meeting is sponsored by Penobscot River Restoration Project Info: Gayle B. Zydlewski 207-862-3382. The draft agenda follows:
Review agenda
Introductions & Updates
Values of the Lower Penobscot Watershed that are worth preserving
What needs to happen to preserve these values
Overview of the Penobscot River Restoration Project
Discussion of Land Trusts and Watershed Councils
Elements of a Mission Statement
Discussion of organizational structure
Action items/next steps
Schedule next meeting
Other
Directions to Fish and Wildlife Bldg in Bangor:
Coming from I-95, take exit 187 (Hogan Road exit). If you are north bound, take a right onto Hogan Road and go to the Mount Hope intersection (third traffic light) and turn right. Approximately .3 miles take a left at the bus kiosk. This is the back entrance of the BMHI campus. Go past the large green barn. There will be a large parking lot on the right hand side of the road, and at the end of this is a three way-intersection. Turn right and look for the three-story rectangular brick building with a bronze deer sculpture in the front yard. That's the Fish & Wildlife Building. ASC is on the second floor.
If you are south bound, take a left on to Hogan Road and follow the directions.
Feb 7, 2007
Feb 14th legis ponder Kennebec migratory fish restoration, reimbursing Commercial Safety Councilors, limit mahogany quahog fishery to boat owners
Wednesday: Feb 14th 1:00 pm PH
Room 214, Cross State Office Building
Room 214, Cross State Office Building
Public Hearing on Marine related Bills
257-A/A to Allow Expense Reimbursement for the Commercial Fishing Safety Council
156-A/A to Require All Holders of Mahogany Quahog Licenses to Operate Their Own Vessels When Fishing for Quahogs (concept draft)
More info: Veronica Snow, Marine Resources Committee Clerk Tele: 207-287-1337
Feb 6, 2007
Lobsters from away, landing at a dock near you.
Bill seeks to lure out of state fishermen to land their lobsters in Maine.
LD 311 "An Act To Create a Nonresident Lobster and Crab Landing Permit"
Sponsored by Representative Walter Wheeler
"This bill creates a new permit that allows nonresident lobster fishermen to land their catch in a Maine port."
LD 311 "An Act To Create a Nonresident Lobster and Crab Landing Permit"
Sponsored by Representative Walter Wheeler
"This bill creates a new permit that allows nonresident lobster fishermen to land their catch in a Maine port."
A farewell to seagulls?
Legislation would make it a crime to feed a seagull or any "migratory bird"
on public intertidal land on the coast of Maine and its islands.
LD 384 An Act To Further Protect Water Quality in Coastal Waters by Representative Leila Percy, Phippsburg expressly prohibits a most basic form of interspecies communication practiced in our area: tossing food to seagulls, ducks on the shore of the Gulf of maine.
"Prohibition. A person may not intentionally feed any migratory bird or seagull on public property in the intertidal zone."
As always, the fine folks in the state legislature's Marine Resources Committee
would be pleased to learn your point of view on this or any other marine legislation before them.
on public intertidal land on the coast of Maine and its islands.
LD 384 An Act To Further Protect Water Quality in Coastal Waters by Representative Leila Percy, Phippsburg expressly prohibits a most basic form of interspecies communication practiced in our area: tossing food to seagulls, ducks on the shore of the Gulf of maine.
"Prohibition. A person may not intentionally feed any migratory bird or seagull on public property in the intertidal zone."
As always, the fine folks in the state legislature's Marine Resources Committee
would be pleased to learn your point of view on this or any other marine legislation before them.
Feb 2, 2007
Shortnose Sturgeon, Elver fisher safety bills before marine resources committee Feb 7th
Augusta: Legislature's joint marine resources committee schedule
Wednesday: Feb. 7th 1:00 pm
9:00-10:30 am FY08-09 Budget hearing in Approp Committee.
1:00 pm Presentation: Sea Grant UMaine Cooperative Extension
Reports: Boater Safety and Endangered Species
Work session on LD# 140-A/A to List the Shortnose Sturgeon as a Marine Endangered Species
Work session on LD# 77-A/A to Provide for the Safety of Elver Fishermen Using Dip Nets
Wednesday: Feb. 7th 1:00 pm
9:00-10:30 am FY08-09 Budget hearing in Approp Committee.
1:00 pm Presentation: Sea Grant UMaine Cooperative Extension
Reports: Boater Safety and Endangered Species
Work session on LD# 140-A/A to List the Shortnose Sturgeon as a Marine Endangered Species
Work session on LD# 77-A/A to Provide for the Safety of Elver Fishermen Using Dip Nets
Jan 31, 2007
Sears Island: next state meeting Feb 5, '07 9 to 3
Sears Island Planning Initiative Steering Committee meets February 5, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Searsport. NOTE start time of 9:00. AGENDA:
I. Welcome, Introductions and Agenda Review (9:00 -9:15)
II. Presentation of DOT White Paper on Container Port Parameters (and Q & A) (9:15-10:15)
BREAK (10:15- 10:25)
III. Presentation on Proposed Easement Language (10:25-11:15)
IV. Private Meetings among Affinity Groups for Discussion of DOT White Paper and Proposed Easement Language (11:15 - 12:15)
LUNCH (12:15 – 1:00)
V. Whole Group Stakeholder Discussion of Draft Consensus Agreement (1:00 - 2:00)
VI. Followup Private Meetings among Affinity Groups (if necessary) (2:00-2:30)
VII. Next Steps & Adjourn (2:30-3:00)
Useful Links:
Fair Play for Sears Island
http://fairplayforsearsisland.org/
Maine Dept of Conservation Sears Island webpage
http://www.state.me.us/doc/initiatives/SearsIsland/SearsIsland.shtml
I. Welcome, Introductions and Agenda Review (9:00 -9:15)
II. Presentation of DOT White Paper on Container Port Parameters (and Q & A) (9:15-10:15)
BREAK (10:15- 10:25)
III. Presentation on Proposed Easement Language (10:25-11:15)
IV. Private Meetings among Affinity Groups for Discussion of DOT White Paper and Proposed Easement Language (11:15 - 12:15)
LUNCH (12:15 – 1:00)
V. Whole Group Stakeholder Discussion of Draft Consensus Agreement (1:00 - 2:00)
VI. Followup Private Meetings among Affinity Groups (if necessary) (2:00-2:30)
VII. Next Steps & Adjourn (2:30-3:00)
Useful Links:
Fair Play for Sears Island
http://fairplayforsearsisland.org/
Maine Dept of Conservation Sears Island webpage
http://www.state.me.us/doc/initiatives/SearsIsland/SearsIsland.shtml
Jan 23, 2007
Bay Management Study final report out: Weak on solutions
"Managing Maine’s Nearshore Coastal Resources: Final Report of the Bay Management Study" Click Here
The report was just given to the Maine Legislature's Marine Resources Committee
What's in it?
It starts by stating the problem:
Maine’s nearshore coastal waters are under increasing pressure from a variety of influences. The potential exists for both increased user conflicts and for further environmental degradation. At the same time, there are signs and symptoms that Maine’s current methods of nearshore management need improvement. Without embarking on enhancements to nearshore management, the health of the marine environment, the livelihoods and recreation that depend on it and the essence of Maine’s character may be at risk.
Solutions? Nothing new here.
A. Move towards regional management of nearshore waters.
B. Increase the amount, availability and accessibility of nearshore data and information.
C. Improve the state’s framework for nearshore management.
D. Increase the amount and diversity of funding sources.
The report was just given to the Maine Legislature's Marine Resources Committee
What's in it?
It starts by stating the problem:
Maine’s nearshore coastal waters are under increasing pressure from a variety of influences. The potential exists for both increased user conflicts and for further environmental degradation. At the same time, there are signs and symptoms that Maine’s current methods of nearshore management need improvement. Without embarking on enhancements to nearshore management, the health of the marine environment, the livelihoods and recreation that depend on it and the essence of Maine’s character may be at risk.
Solutions? Nothing new here.
A. Move towards regional management of nearshore waters.
B. Increase the amount, availability and accessibility of nearshore data and information.
C. Improve the state’s framework for nearshore management.
D. Increase the amount and diversity of funding sources.
Jan 17, 2007
Rockland Lobsterman to City Council: Save Our Industry from Marina Sprawl
Rockland lobsterman Artie Johnson tells the Rockland City Council to protect his industry! Waiting for Maine DEP to deny the Samorock yacht pier proposal is nervewracking to all concerned.
Jan 13, 2007
Salmon manure - Maine DEP tightfisted on details
Under an aquaculture agreement with the federal EPA, Maine oversees the NPDES pollution permitting license for finfish aquaculture. The salmon farms dotting the downeast coast must file monthly monitoring reports with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, detailing the amount of manure that has emanated from the up-to million farm salmon swimming in foreign-owned cages from Passamaquoddy Bay to Blue Hill Bay at any given time.
Read DEP Fact Sheet on Salmon farm pollution monitoring (PDF)
The reports arrive at MDEP's Bangor office in a tabulated format that Maine DEP, several years into receiving these reports, says it has yet to come up with a good way of printing them out or otherwise making them available.
to
This has angered and frustrated coastal environmentalists seeking this info -- vital to keeping track of these absentee-owned marine hog farms. But MDEP has persisted making these reports available to the public as paper printouts. on unscannable unreadable gray paper stock with the oversized table figures overcompressed to the point of unreadability.
The MDEP official in question Matthew Young admitted that "the printed form is a challenge to read" and agreed to "look into the possibility of creating a cd-rom with the electronic reports we have now...".
Further Young'll see where the agency as it as far as adding this waste discharge data to its publically available database. Watch this space...
Read DEP Fact Sheet on Salmon farm pollution monitoring (PDF)
The reports arrive at MDEP's Bangor office in a tabulated format that Maine DEP, several years into receiving these reports, says it has yet to come up with a good way of printing them out or otherwise making them available.
to
This has angered and frustrated coastal environmentalists seeking this info -- vital to keeping track of these absentee-owned marine hog farms. But MDEP has persisted making these reports available to the public as paper printouts. on unscannable unreadable gray paper stock with the oversized table figures overcompressed to the point of unreadability.
The MDEP official in question Matthew Young
Further Young'll see where the agency as it as far as adding this waste discharge data to its publically available database. Watch this space...
Jan 8, 2007
Rockland lobster fishery protection debated at City Council meeting.
On January 8, 2007, A lobsterman and a conservationist spoke their minds to the Rockland city council about the Samorock pier proposal.
Click here for coverage of that council meeting,
Excerpt: Pier proposed near Rockland Breakwater...On the application to build a pier near the Rockland Breakwater, Ron Huber, executive director of Penobscot Bay Watch, and Art Johnson, a Rockland lobster fisherman, asked the council to take a position opposing the Samoset pier project.
“If built, the pier itself will close off fishing in the productive near-shore waters,” said Huber. “More fishing ground will be lost to the approach routes that would have to be kept free of lobster traps to avoid fouling the props of boats using the pier. It would increase pollution into this cleanest, most natural part of Rockland’s inner harbor.”
http://knox.villagesoup.com/print/Print.cfm?StoryID=84873
City harbormaster Ed Glaser has been too lukewarm about the subject, in their opinion, and can an earful from city fishermen, whose traps bring millions of dollars into the local economy. About two dozen harbor lobstermen have signed a petition to the city which was delivered last month.
Jan 2, 2007
Maine Legislature: 2007 bills so far
The 2007 session of the Maine legislature is underway. The first 200 bills that they'll be taking on can be read here.
One bill LD 16 will decriminalize lobster trap molesting!
One bill LD 16 will decriminalize lobster trap molesting!
Dec 31, 2006
Dragon Cement - which toxic wastes does it burn?
Back in November Dragon Cement rejected a request by Neighbors for a Safe Dragon (NSD) for the company's fuel/waste burning logs. Why? "Trade secrets," of course. NSD complained to Maine DEP's Peter Carney. He wrote to Dragon in early December, stating that the company must either (a) ship NSD their fuel logs with the 'trade secrets' blacked out, or (b) ship the uncensored list to DEP. The agency, he wrote, would decide whether the things Dragon wants redacted deserved it. Then DEP would pass the fuel logs to NSD either censored or not--though first giving Dragon a chance to appeal this to state court. Stay tuned...
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