MASKGI Minutes
Thursday, December 2nd , 2004

Location:  Augusta, ME -Department of Conservation Offices

Time:  6pm to 9pm

Meeting Called to Order: Paul Travis: 6:00PM

Introduction Special Guest: Dave Soucy and Theresa Torent-Ellis
Late Pizza Break - During Introductions, between Dave Soucy and Theresa Torrent-Ellis

Welcomed new paddlers to the area:  Mel Rice & Mark Schoon from Carpe Diem Kayaking in Virginia.

Roundtable Discussions with Strategic Partners:

Dave Soucy - State Office.  Thanked MASKGI for their cooperation and wanted to announce that Steve Spencer will be changing his role with the Bureau of Parks and Lands.  He explained that Steve would be further developing the way they manage and perceive recreation, primarily focused on wilderness-based recreation.

Theresa Torrent-Ellis - Senior Planner, Maine Coastal Programs:  She works on education, outreach and communication for the Gulf of Maine Council.  Explained that tourism was the only area of economic growth for this past fiscal year.  She explained how the planning offices are looking at conserving and managing the coastal environments via the Sweden’s Ecotourism Model.  They are working on promoting business that meet the ecotourism guidelines that they are working on (“They” being the Gulf of Maine Council, state planners, David Vale (Bowden College), Jonathan Tourtellot (National Geographic)).  Theresa’s contact information is as follows:

Thersa Torrent-Ellis    Phone: 207-287-2351

Senior Planner, Maine Coastal Program  Fax:     207-287-8059
38 State House Station   Email: Theresa.torrent-ellis@maine.gov
Augusta, ME  04333-0038   Website: www.state.me/mcp

Steve Spencer - Bureau of Parks & Lands - Wilderness Specialist - MITA Chair

Number of visits to the public islands was down this year
There is still an issue several large out of state groups such as camp or scout groups in Southern Maine and Casco Bay
Leave No Trace - will be organizing training of LNT trainer through Charlie Jacobi of Acadia National Park and Jean Hookwater of Baxter State Park.  Training will be conducted at the Schoodic Naval Base, September 7th - 10th, 2005.  Scholarships are available.  LNT Master Certification Program.
Currently working on the idea of a roving caretaker in the Stonington Area.

Sargent Mark Warren - Inland Fisheries & Wildlife - Guide Licensing Exam Board

Working with Michelle Belanger (Whitewater Guide Examiner) to oversee Sea Kayak Guide licensing.  Examination Board consists of 8 members.
Changes in the examination procedures seem to be working well.  Requiring guide candidates to take the Oral Exam first seems to be improving the candidates for the written exam.
Guide Exam Application Fee will be increasing to $100 per classification you are applying to test for.
Suggested ideas of patch designs.  Blue Patch - Aqua Guide - Watersports
Brought to our attention that Chris Cunningham of Sea Kayaker Magazine may be printing an editorial or feature story on the lack of or content of Retailer’s Safety Information Packets that are provided with watercrafts.
Discussed idea of including an invitation to join MASKGI in with the guide examination information packets.

John Fetterman - Maine Marine Patrol

Discussed that the goals of the Marine Patrol is to seek voluntary compliance to make a safe boating environment.
Asking members for support in Department’s work and was positive about continuing to support and work with MASKGI, further developing the relationship that currently exists.
State’s budget will be tough, so support from members would be appreciated.
Working on the standards of manufacturing with NASBA on watercraft flotation issues.  (Jeff Johnson - Chair of the Education Committee of NASBA).
www.NASBLA.com

Al Johnson - United States Coast Guard

36 Recreational boating fatalities, which was a 36% decrease over last year.
Coast Guard has developed a high interest in receiving compensation for rescues to cover the cost of conducting them.
Top two issues that tie back in with John Fetterman’s work with NASBA is flotation of the watercraft and whether or not PFDs were utilized.
Discussed issues with registering recreational boats.  Minnesota and Ohio already have registration programs in place. Discussed the opportunity to Paddlesports Safety Seminars which seem to be beneficial.
Bob Johnson - United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
Working with Bob Lonney
Wants to have more kayak information in presentations on “Basic Concepts of Safety”
Laura Carter suggested guest speakers in the Boating Safety courses.
Wants to set up a program to educate instructors, (members of the flotilla)
Tom Bergh - Suggested that we be consistent with the message that we are communicating and no have some methodology to our education.
Suggested we coordinate schedules for outreach programs.  (Will provide times and locations of flotilla monthly meetings).

Paul Travis - speaking for Maine Sea Grant for Natalie Springuel

Radar Trials update
Learned a lot on Nov. 6th radar trial in Boothbay. Radar not very effective for pinging kayakers out a 1/3 mile radius.

Officer’s Reports:

President: Waived his report due to time constraints.
Secretary: Last meetings minutes presented and approved as is.
Treasurer:   Balance to Date   $1941.06 approx., report deferred.  Full report needed next meeting.  Presented by Laura Carter, Robert Shaw absent.
Vice President:  No report at this time.

Elections for next term:

Attendance:  Four officers and 8 voting members present.
Nominations:
President: David Legere
Vice President:  David Mention
Treasurer: Laura Carter
Membership Coordinator:  Ben Fuller
Secretary:  No nomination at this time, office left vacant.  Nomination committee of new officers to come up with secretary nominations,

All nominated candidates for office voted in unanimously.

New Business:

David Legere reminded members of the opportunity for outreach through community adult education programs.

Dave Mention - suggested we nominate a Safety Chair person.

Minutes submitted by David Legere