KENNEBUNK RIVER COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF THE JUNE 21, 2005 MEETING
Members and Alternates Present: Members and Alternates Absent:
Anne Gamble-Arundel Grant Nelson-K’Bunk
Gordon Ayer-K’Port Linda Littell-K’Port
Rob Benson-Arundel Richard Woodman-K’Port
Robert Williamson, Arundel
Peter Hatch-K’Bunk
John Spottiswoode (K’Port) has extended his resignation with regret due to health considerations. He has indicated an interest in returning at a later date.
Also Present:
James Nadeau, Harbormaster;
Members of the K’Bunk and K’Port and Conservation Commissions;
Chris Feurt and other(s) interested in the River Watershed Survey; and the
Shellfish Wardens from K’Bunk and K’Port
Meeting called to order at 7:05 PM by Gordon Ayer, acting on behalf of the Chair, who continues with her recovery.
The minutes of the meeting of May 17, 2005 were accepted as presented with a minor correction as to the date.
Anne Gamble introduced Chris Feurt, who made an insightful presentation about the history of the Kennebunk River Watershed Survey, which was undertaken in April 2001. Ms. Feurt provided the history of the financing of the survey through §319 of the Federal Clean Waters Act, by which funding was to be provided on a “grass roots” basis to insure that the funding was received for local projects without the necessity of extensive federal and state government involvement.
An association of interested individuals called AKKWA (Arundel, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport Watershed Association, cleverly pronounced “aqua”) was the lead organization in seeking the necessary funding and received a grant for $10,000.00 in May 2000.
Approximately 35 volunteers were involved in the survey work, many of who were from outside the immediate communities and who volunteered because of an interest in the nature of the project and its purposes.
Ms. Feurt showed everyone maps of the watershed which had been developed and which evidenced the fact that the Kennebunk River Watershed falls within parts of Alfred, Lyman, Arundel, Kennebunk, and Kennebunkport. Approximately 56 square miles are involved. She noted that some of the work was undertaken from the water by means of a boat operated by Calvin Cook, a deceased member of the River Committee whose efforts and interest in River issues is sorely missed.
Eighty-four pollution sources were identified and documented, and a general discussion ensued about the different sources of pollution and methods of insuring public awareness. This led to the ultimate question of where the effort should go from this point. It was learned that funding sources to eliminate/minimize pollution sources are available, but it was recognized that our population (in general) and citizenry (as now constituted) remains generally unconcerned about the future impact of existing pollution sources (and perhaps are more interested in the color of their lawns, it was noted). The discussion included references to the efforts made to make people aware of the need for caution and adherence to existing laws (for example, for the local marinas to provide pump-out stations).
The discussion included concern that the efforts seem insignificant and the problem insurmountable. Ms. Feurt’s response was simple but enlightening, when she indicated that the best place to start was to “[g]o for the low-hanging fruit,” meaning start simple and then move upward. Also, it is important to make people aware of the “successes” of the efforts, such as the opening of the local clamflats after many years of closure due to pollution.
It was heartening to hear Ms. Feurt advise that the Survey established that the condition of the River is basically good, and that the principal concern at present is the “buffer” to be maintained along the River’s edge. The buffering of the River is the best and simplest means of insuring future water quality and eliminating obvious pollution sources.
The upshot of the meeting’s presentation was that we need to work together (meaning everyone interested in the preservation of the quality of the River) as a “coalition” of sorts. Participation by everyone, from property owners to commercial fishermen, to those who recreate on or along the River, will lead to greater success and make great strides in eliminating the “us versus them” attitudes which have always stunted efforts to insure the preservation of the resource. Basically, at this point we need to start small by choosing a single project and involve as many interested individuals and groups as possible; Basically, build on a small success which is accomplished by many, and make sure that the public is made aware of future successes as they occur.
The entire presentation was enlightening and it was a pleasure to have met with others who share an interest in the River and how we are to leave it to the generations that will follow. Now, to insure that we identify a project of interest to all ………………..?
The appreciation of the Committee for efforts of Ms. Feurt and her excellent presentation was obvious. Kudos to Anne Gamble for arranging for this presentation and the involvement of the others in attendance.
The Harbormaster’s report followed Ms. Feurt’s presentation. Jim noted that all of the commercial moorings were set by the fishermen and 29 other moorings were now in place. It is anticipated that with the area of usable space within the basin being enlarged, together with the relocation of boats to areas better suited due to size and draft, more mooring locations will become available in the near future.
Jim met with the three Town Managers earlier in the day and discussed several topics, including the prospect of a new boat and the possible acquisition of apparatus to install/move/maintain moorings. Jim indicated that he is no longer in favor of a new boat, and he believes that the present boat is adequate for his needs. He believes strongly, however, that the mooring apparatus should be acquired. Bob Williamson’s recent creation of suitable machinery brought the matter to a head (Bob has aided Jim with the mooring installations), but Jim indicated that the Kennebunk and Kennebunkport managers seemed disinterested. Since the Williamson “creation” is going to be offered for sale at $14,000.00, a consensus believes that this topic should be discussed at our next meeting. It
is likely that it will be purchased quickly, and this could mean a good opportunity would be forever lost.
The meeting ended with another general conversation about the fact that the ideal mooring (and funding) solution would be for the Towns of Kennebunk and Kennebunkport to own the moorings, maintain them, and charge suitable rent for them. This would make the situation safer, easier to manage, and it would provide revenue for maintaining the resource.
There being no other business to come before the meeting, it VOTED to adjourn at 9:03 PM.
Respectfully submitted by,
______________________________
Gordon C. Ayer, Secretary
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