Mark Warren of IFW was invited, unable to attend for this update.

Bob Myron updated the group on the new guide exam changes.

Discussed the committee effort to write questions relating to island ethics and LNT for the new written exam. The State would like to have 120 new questions.

Anyone who has suggested multiple choice questions please send to Mark Warren and copy Bob Myron and Rachel Nixon.

The goal is to have a computer generated exam that can generate several different versions from a larger pool of questions.

Suggestion made for MASKGI to approach IFW to set up specific testing dates for MASKGI outfitters to pool their guide candidates.

Suggestion for MASKGI to obtain list of new guides from IFW to solicit for membership. April Lawrence, Membership Coordinator is already pursuing.

Al Johnson, USCG.

• Another recent canoe fatality added in ME this year.
• Various grants are available through the Coast Guard for community groups like MASKGI. — Clear Water grants (Feb, 2003), National Safe Boating Council has community education grants. Boat US has a grant with a Nov 1 deadline.
• Contact Al to suscribe to Local Notice to Mariners

Upcoming safety events include:

• Paddle Smart Safety Symposium w Bangor YMCA May 9, 2003
• June 8-11 Northern Association of Boating Administrators Conference, Bar Harbor ME

Ben Fuller, of the ACA Coastal Kayaking Committee:

• ACA is working on curriculum changes, to deal with the use of recreation type boats in coastal environs. Growing safety issues due to inadequate floatation.

Rachel Nixon:

MITA is going through a strategic planning process and refining its organizational vision for the next 5 years. A new emphasis is emerging around 2 themes: 1) Public Access and 2) Conservation

MITA is also in the midst of a planning process to create a State Management Plan for BPL islands. As a contractor to manage the planning process, MITA is playing the role of convenor and facilitator; without vested interest in the outcome of the plan. An advisory board is steering the process. Next steps include a series of upcoming stakeholder meetings: November 19 in Portland 6-8pm, November 20 in Rockland (6-8) and November 21 in Ellsworth (6-8). Meeting locations to be announced. A mailing will go out the second week in Nov with directions and locations.

Question — What was summer like on the public islands this year?

Good news — gathered much better data from log books

While use has clearly increased, impacts seem to be more limited to contained areas.

MITA staff and volunteer monitors very encouraged.

Use of islands east of Schoodic has increased in recent years.

Good stories of cooperation among users, good communication and professionalism among outfitters.

Steve Spencer not present. To be added to Dec meeting agenda

Idea raised at the September Meeting by Marc Bergoine. Marc and Karen Francoeur tasked with framing the proposal. Neither members present tonight.

Rachel Nixon suggested Marc and Karen talk to Karen Stinson at MITA aobut next years’ MITA annual conference. A possibility to partner together on a conference around boating in general.

Paul Travis:

Raised the question about the opportunities we can provide as a group to our individual members, perhaps as an "education committee"

Some of the possibilities include ACA and BCU, WFR instruction.

We have the trainers within our ranks.

Or, possibly as a tag-on to our annual coastal education symposium weekend in the spring.

Chewonki will offer a 20% discount to MASKGI members on its WFR courses with room and board ($695 less 20%). The commuter rate is $495, no discount is possible.

Another suggestion is to host a "workshop day" conducted by member trainers.

Suggestion for MASKGI to compile and publish a book on guide standards. One member suggested we have a hard enough time putting a brochure together let alone a book!

ACTIONS:

Paul Travis, Greg Shute and Dave Mention agreed to serve on the MASKGI Education Committee and to formalize a process for proposals. Greg and Paul to frame some ideas for discussion at the next meeting in December.

Natalie provided a brief overview of the recently completed Gulf of Maine Expedition.

The team paddled from Provincetown, MA to Nova Scotia, the entire coastal rim of the Gulf of Maine. Along the way, the group conducted research, and hosted workshops and dialogue in 20 communities, topics ranging from natural history, ecosystems, satety, coastal access and issues of concern to local residents along the coast. A slide show will follow at the next regular meeting of MASKGI, December 11, in Belfast., as well as at Gilsam farm at the Audobon Society meeting this Friday.