Maine Islands Coalition Minutes August 15, 2008

In Attendance:

MIC Members
Roger Berle
Lisa Shields
Mark Tierney
Pete Anderson
Marjorie Stratton
Donna Damon
Betsy Weber
Alden Finney
Malcolm Donald
Kathy Fiveash 

Also in attendance
Senator Dennis Damon
Representative Hannah Pingree
Representative Meredith Strang Burgess
Representative Jonathan McKane
Representative Leila Percy
Peter Stuckey
David Fernald
Rob Snyder
Bill McGuinness
Thea Youngs

Panelists and Guest Speakers
Tim Glidden, Land for Maine's Future Director (via telephone)
Annette Naegel, Georges River Land Trust Conservation Program Manager
Abby Sadauckas, MOFGA Volunteers & Events Logistics Coordinator
Melissa White Pillsbury, MOFGA Organic Marketing Coordinator
Sarah Cotnoir, DMR Resource Coordinator
Laura Kramar, Island Institute Port Clyde Marketing Cooperative Coordinator
Gillian Garatt-Reed, Island Institute Marine Programs Coordinator
Sherman Hoyt, UMaine Cooperative Extension, Maine Sea Grant

Hannah Pingree gave an update on issues in the Lobster Fishery.

Sarah Cotnoir and Hannah Pingree recently attended the Lobster Zone C (Midcoast-Blue Hill) meeting. In this meeting there was a great deal of debate over whether or not to close the zone. Generally, mainland communities want to close the zone, but islands would prefer it remain open. There was also some discussion of creating a sub-zone of zone C to include just the offshore islands.

Donna Damon asked if there would be an opportunity for other islands to do this as well, and treat it as an opportunity to look at islands differently.

Rob Snyder said that it could apply to other islands as well, but the islands may not have the voting power.

Dennis Damon said that there were two issues:

1) Entry: the need to keep people living on the islands. At the present time, anyone who had a student license on the islands does not have to get on the waiting list.

2) Exclusivity: maintaining a conservation area around islands. Outsiders could come and fish in the zone if they agree to the limits, and similarly islanders could fish more traps if they were placed outside the zone.

Donna Damon suggested that this might be a way to keep young families on-island and is worth investigating.

Leila Percy suggested the Maine Islands Coalition invite Carl Wilson from the Department of Marine Resources to come to the next meeting.

Sarah Cotnoir brought up other suggestions that had been raised, such as assigning berths to islands, but is also unsure of how it would be administered. Should all the islands be put into a special island zone?

Roger Berle said that islanders in Casco Bay1974-1976 set up Casco Bay conservation zone, but it was voted down.

Donna Damon said that there are many issues surrounding DMR regulations on the islands, such as hanging clams.

Mark Tierney asked if it would make sense to have an island zone.

Hannah Pingree said that there would probably first be a one from Vinalhaven-Swan's, and then move and try Casco Bay.

Dennis Damon said that it will be a complicated issue to pass, and will likely need to come up a few times before it passes.

Sarah Cotnoir said that it might also be possible to look at different designs for different islands.

Donna Damon said that there is often a problem with a one size fits all approach since islands are different from each other, and it is good to have more flexibility.

Leila Percy said that each of the zones have their own meetings, and suggested that coalition members attend zone meetings and hear what they have to say.

Roger Berle suggested that the coalition looks at ways to increase outreach and participation for November

Leila Percy suggested having Carl Wilson and George Lapointe at the next meeting then move forward from there.

Hannah Pingree brought up that it was most important for lobstermen to sort out these issues and less the role of the Maine Islands Coalition.

Roger Berle said that he would contact George Lapointe, Carl Wilson, Terry Stockwell David Etnier, and Sarah Cotnoir for the next meeting.

Rob Snyder said that this was a challenging issue, and mentioned the Downeast Resource Center. It is hard for the MLA to take a stand because of the diversity of zones, and wanted to consider how zones can take a larger role in decision making.

Sarah Cotnoir suggested having zone council representatives come together.

Dennis Damon asked if this should include representatives to the lobster council as well.

ME Farming and fishing panel discussion:

Roger Berle gave an introduction to the discussion, that one year ago the Maine Island Coalition had started discussing ways to build collaboration between island farming communities and inland farming communities. The MIC had originally planned to hold the meeting in Augusta in the winter, but it had to be cancelled due to storms.

Roger Berle brought up the difficulty in getting farms to come forward to the Land for Maine's Future Program. He asked Tim to discuss how someone would be convinced to give up retirement money in return for little support from Land for Maine's Future.

Tim Glidden replied that Land for Maine's future had worked on farm projects from its inception, but relatively few overall. A bond was passed that set aside 10% of funds to be used for farm preservation. When the program started in 1999 there was not a clear plan for farmland protection, but LMF worked with the Department of Agriculture and the State Planning Office to develop a plan for farmland preservation, and to serve as a gateway for federal farmland protection. Projects start with the Department of Agriculture, who will figure out how best to work with farmer. Not every case will end up as an easement, but if it is a good candidate it evolves into a project for Federal programs and Land for Maine's Future.

Over the last 10 years LMF has gotten more active in purchasing land. The 1^st potential island project is on Chebeague. There are challenges specific to working on islands: The Department of Agriculture is looking statewide and the focus is on very active farms (economically and within a community).

Rob Snyder clarified that he and Donna Damon worked together on the Chebeague project, which is currently offline as the vision has shifted. Donna added that all organizations were very supportive of the farm operation and that this has to do with internal reasons. She added that there is also land on the island that the hotel is interested in buying to grow their own greens.

Leila Percy said that one of the reasons to have Tim here is to let people know what help is available to assist farms.

Tim Glidden replied that the first thing interested people should do is to call Stephanie Gilbert at 287-7520. The process can take anywhere from 6-9 months to 2 years to complete a project. The landowner has to think through what is right for them. The program is unlikely to be able to put together a land project at the last minute. He suggested that people use informal communication to encourage thinking years in advance, and to also get land trusts involved if it works in a particular case.

Roger Berle replied that the preservation project didn't work out on Chebeague because of conflict between the land owner and land trusts.

Tim replied that if things do not work out with a land trust, it is possible also try giving Maine Farmland Trust a call as well if necessary. There are several other resources available: On the LMF website (www.maine.gov/SPO/LMF), and clicking on the publications tab there is a proposal workbook which provides a useful overview as to what's involved in land preservation. He added that LMF does not own or buy land, but rather provides funding to buy an easement. Occasionally a land trust will buy property and lease it to a farmer or buy an easement and resell the land to a farmer. Tim said that he is happy to answer questions as well, and can be contacted at 287-1487.

Annette Nagle, Georges River Land Trust - The purpose of the land trust is to protect resources. The central hub of farming in the Georges River area are in the towns of Union and Warren- 50% of LMF projects are in these two towns. She noted that it really does take a long time for farmers to think through preservation options. The purchase of development rights is the most lengthy process, and there is a need to have farmer invested in preservation. Because of changes in energy prices, there is the advantage of people knowing that what they do (growing food locally) is important. Islesboro is a great island mode, because of their school garden. She also said it is really important to get to know local farmers well before the sale of land becomes an issue.

Laura Kramar, Port Clyde Marketing Cooperative Coordinator - Laura discussed how the factors that fishermen face are similar to those faced by farmers, and that marketing and branding is one way to fix low profit margins. Currently, the Midcoast Fishermen's Association has three community supported fisheries going, and also sells to restaurants.

Annete asked if the CSF program seems to be working.

Laura replied that it seems to. They are selling both fish and the image of environmental protection.

Donna said that before state regulations changed, summer people used to seek out particular people for crab meat, and that this is the same principle. She brought up the idea of crabmeat picking in community kitchens, as an authorized space.

Laura replied that shared infrastructure would be very useful.

Sherman Hoyt, UMaine Cooperative Extension - The Extension's focuses on agriculture and rural living, has resources available for farmers and gardeners on subjects such as canning and healthy living, and provides research to help communities strengthen themselves. They provide assistance in making farms viable, and are also connected to the Maine Sea Grant program.

Kathy Fiveash said that she had found them to be very helpful

Shermann Hoyt said that they are currently working with the Cranberry Isles and Mt. Desert to set up a regional shellfish warden. They offer a compost school-a course to learn how to do compost for personal/commercial use.

Leila said that the school is located at Highmoor Farm in Monmouth ME, which is the only regional place which composts cow and chicken carcasses.

Annette said that the farm also has a master gardening program.

Sherman said the school also offers water quality volunteer training and sampling.

Gillian Garrat-Reed- Gillian gave several examples of collaborations between farming and fishing at state legislature level.

• Working Waterfront bonds
• Current use taxation for both farms and waterfont
• Working to change the Working Waterfront model to echo farm program rather than open space program.
• Develop a land trust easement for WWF, working with land trusts to put into place.

Tim said the Working Waterfront covenant can be used instead of easements can get over some of the easement issues.

MelissaWhite, Maine Organic Farmers and Grower's Association - Maine Organic Farmers and Growers Association has two objectives: to protect farmland and encourage development of agriculture.

• Farmlink - lists agricultural properties for sale and also people seeking farmland.
• Provides training on gardening and farm level agriculture
  • organic gardening programs for adult-ed programs
  • higher level formal training-taught by crop and livestock specialists.
  • apprentice program- 60 farms host apprentices, and there also are workshops at many different farms
  • journey person- provides support through stipends, finding opportunities.

Hannah Pingree said that many young people on North Haven are interested in farming, but need to figure out how it can be economically viable, in terms of obtaining land etc.

Rob Snyder said that there are approximately 400 members of MOFGA on islands and that there has been discussion of setting the goal of having 10% of island food produced locally. He said that it would be useful to work with MOFGA on items such as capital grant making and low interest loans. He raised the possibility of creating value added markets on the mainland for island products. The challenge is staffing farms-apprentice programs help, as does working with school kids to volunteer. Nov. 8 is the sustainable island living conference which will hopefully be used as a needs assessment for additional programs.

Bill McGuinness noted that there are a number of serious gardeners on the island (Isleford). For example there is someone who sells produce and is able to cover her costs. They have talked about how she can market produce.

Melissa replied that it is tough for already diversified farms to diversify further into a finished product, however getting home kitchen license is not difficult, and can be done on a small scale.

Rob brought up the idea of a community kitchen.

Abby Sadaukas said that there are have 2 community kitchens in the area, which help community members with canning etc. Farming for the Future also provides assistance to farmers in return for a temporary easement. They provide assistance in developing business plan, then a grant for the funding to develop the plan.

Leila Percy noted that on Page 11 of the Working Waterfront, there is an ad for land on Vinalhaven ($2.5 million 150 acre parcel). There is a need to think of multiple uses and unusual partnership-aquaculture, affordable housing etc.

Donna Damon said that it might bring an a lot more funding to have two different funding sources.

Hanna Pingree noted that there is also the chance of controversy about taking land off the tax rolls, but this can be mitigated by projects which benefit the year round community.

Tim Glidden said it is possible to preserve most of the property, and develop affordable housing on small areas of it.

Donna Damon brought up the idea that on Chebeague there is a produce exchange which also allows the general public to buy, and which gives the profits to historical society (since they meet outside of it).

Hannah Pingree said that she recently was at a meeting of Hancock County food pantry, focusing on connections between farms and food pantry, such as a program that allows CSA shares to be delivered to the elderly.

Dennis Damon noted that the Plant-a- row program allows gardeners to plant a row for a local food pantry

Roger asked Dennis how it would be possible to increase support when facing budget cuts?

Dennis Damon replied that challenge would be in determining what is need and what is excess, and noted that the state will be struggling.

Rob suggested launching a donate-a-share program, which would create the potential to donate CSA/CSF shares to the local food bank.

Melissa added that municipalities can also fund shares for low income. There is also the private model, which set's up a donation fund.

Hannah Pingree noted that there is always protein need for food pantries.

Dennis Damon brought up that there are many failed attempts at fisheries management, and would like to explore ways to get bi-catch to people who need it instead of dumping it overboard.

Abby questioned whether it was possible to use management of small sheep etc in order to open land.

Donna Damon said that Casco Bay is overrun with bittersweet, which is a major problem, and if sheep could eat it there is a great need

Lisa Shields said that there are sheep on North Haven, but there is also a problem with Coyotes. People employ guard dogs.

Sarah Cotnoir- Update on issues surrounding the Lobster Fishery

Sarah gave an update on the issue of new rules designed to protect Whales. There are 3 protected species: right whale, fin whale, and humpback whale. The new rules would require fishermen fishing outside of an exemption line to use sinking ground line. However the use of ground line poses several problems for fishermen. The new rules were originally supposed to take effect on October 5, at this point it is likely that the rules will not take effect until April.

Bill McGuinness said that a fisherman friend of his said that he won't be fishing outside of line because of safety and affordability issues surrounding the use of sinking rope.

Sarah said that the changes are to comply with the endangered species act.

There was a low profile rope proposal put forward in response, however it was killed because of challenges with the sample size. This proposal would try to come up with a 10% reduction in lines. However, since it is impossible to get a good handle on the current amount of rope in the water without 100% harvester reporting, it his hard to know exactly what 10% would be.

Rob asked if there was any legislation pending to significantly reduce trap limits, and asked how to get public participation and information in this area. The results of a recent survey indicated that ½ of the industry will accept them, and ½ of the industry is against them.

Sarah Cotnoir said that the opinion at the recent lobster meetings she attended was heavily against trap limits. Many people use the example of Monhegan fishery, where they reduced traps and actually caught more lobsters, but there is the counter-argument that conditions would be different in different areas of the coast, and Monhegan is also fishing in a protected area.

Sarah Cotnoir said it is scary for fishermen because if it doesn't work it would cause huge financial problems. She said that DMR had sent out a survey to all lobstercatchers which had a 35% return. 51% supported a trap reduction, and 41% did not. Other options considered include freezing tags or freezing licenses.

Donna raised the question about Certification, whether it is possible to have Maine Lobsters certified as being harvested sustainably if MA & NH do not.

Bill McGuinness said it might be one method of leverage. It could provid added value to Maine Lobster, and encourage MA and NH to follow suit.

Legislative updates.

Gillian Garatt-reed gave an update on the WorkingWaterfont Coalition.

The coalition had a planning session at the end of July where they came up with goals, and additionally sent out a survey.

• Support a revision of the WWF access pilot program.
  • Some people who would otherwise be interested are avoiding the program because of the high penalties associated with withdrawing land. The WWF coalition is working to model this program after the farms program with respect to taxes and penalties.
• Working Waterfront Access Pilot Program (WWFAPP): The coalition supports continuation of funding and turning the WWFAPP into a permanent program.
• provide more opportunities for preservation thru easements

• economic analysis of current/potential waterfront issues
• ramp up educational component, such as working at the municipal level.

Rob Snyder gave an update on affordable housing

The Island Institute is part of the steering committee for Maine Affordable Housing Coalition, which has a large number of stakeholders and is hoping to get state investment for affordable housing.

            Updates/Issues:

• How to leverage state funding in order to get private funds
• MIT housing research group is in the process of conducting a survey on Maine's housing.
• The need on coast is mostly workforce as opposed to low-income housing.
• The Coalition is working with lobbyist to get a large bond with coastal component.
• The campaign developed with John Melrose will include areas such as outreach, education, and brochures
• Use any available opportunities to educate the legislature on this issue.
• However, all of this is up in the air because of heating oil assistance programs, since the first priority will be ensuring people have access to heating oil. There is need for discussion of this issue at the next meeting.

Margery Stratton- Chair of Knox County Island Airport Consortium.

• The consortium is looking for funding for island airports.

• They have met with Penobscot Island Air and will try to get a $200,000 transportation bond
  • Been in contact with Hannah Pingree, Dennis Damon, and have met with Maine Airport Manager's Association. The focus is on improvements to the Matinicus airport, such as getting gravel.
• It is impossible for islands to get FAA funding because island airports don't meet federal standards.
• In 2005 the Knox County Airport received a grant for fare reduction and staff support, and there is still some funding left, which the Airport Consortium is hoping it might be possible to use for infrastructure at the other airports.          
• The Airports Consortium have an upcoming meeting with Life Flight so the two organizations will not work against each other during the budget process.

Bill McGuinness -Fox islands Windpower

• The group was brought together 1 yr. ago.
• The expected 2.5 year timeline ended up moving much more quickly largely through the efforts of George Baker.
• George was able to analyze the economics of the project, which looked very good.
• The project picked up momentum as studies continued.
• An environmental impact study is currently underway
• The project was presented to rate payers at a co-op meeting. A straw poll had votes of 382 to 5 in favor
• Rate payers hope for drop and stability of the electric price.
• The remaining challenge is that of obtaining turbines since there is a 3 yr waiting list. There is the chance of finding refurbished turbines or buying ones that have been bought by a speculator.
• the financing still needs to come together
• 2-3 turbines at a cost of $10-15 million
• The turbines are scaled to produce in a year approximately what the Fox Islands use.
• Project on 1 island does not directly benefit others because of small locally owned cooperatives.
• As long as the turbines can tie into grid will benefit everyone.

Strategies for making coalition a significant resource for island communities.

Several Suggestions were given:

• Ensure communities are knowledgeable about what the coalition is doing.
• Speaking up at a community meeting
• Taking a stand on significant issues and going to testify on them
• Regular information/column in Working Waterfront
• Something in town report and make presentation to town meeting.
• Letter goes out in January to get ideas/letter in warrant.
• Contact websites on islands with
• Also send agendas to websites and post them in the Working Waterfront
• A lot of discussion on MIC and what it does when the contribution increased

The meeting adjourned at 2:05.