Penobscot River Science Steering Committee

Organizational Meeting

December 1, 2005
Senator George J. Mitchell Center Conference Room, UMaine

In Attendance:

*Eric Hutchins (NOAA)
Catherine Schmitt (Mitchell Center)
Cyndy Loftin (USFWS COOP unit/UMAINE)
Alice Kelley (UMAINE)
Joan Trial (ME Atlantic Salmon Commission)
*Walter Barnhardt (USGS- Woods Hole)
*Jeff Murphy (NOAA)
Gayle Zydlewski (UMaine)
Scott Craig (USFWS)
Barbara Arter (NFWF Maine Salmon Rivers Water Quality Planning Initiative)
Karen Wilson (USM)
George Aponte-Clarke (PRRT)
Aram JK Calhoun (UME and MAS)
Jeff Reardon (TU)
*Matt Collins (NOAA)
Cheryl Daigle (PRRT)
Peter Vaux (Mitchell Center)
*David Hart (guest)

* on speaker phone

Tasks set forth for the meeting:

Task

1. Evaluate and develop a structure for the scientific clearinghouse for research on the Penobscot River. Key issues include: housing of the clearinghouse (who will house the data? coordinate information?), developing a coordinated operational infrastructure, and identifying its primary function (informational clearinghouse only or proactive involvement in funding issues, proposals, or prioritization of research etc ) This was a priority item identified by the Science Forum.

Results of meeting: The group discussed the fine details of database management. Peter Vaux gave a summary of his work with PEARL, the clearinghouse for environmental information in Maine, and it was agreed that:

• The Penobscot River data would best be housed with PEARL
• The Penobscot River “networking” database would best be created and then housed in PEARL. This would include information on past and present proposals for research related to the River and would foster collaborations. We still need to address how that networking database will be created and integrated with Catherine Schmitt’s Penobscot Synthesis.
• It was agreed that the group would pursue this relationship with the Mitchell Center and PEARL.

Catherine Schmitt gave a presentation on the progress of the bibliography of past and present research on the river that she has collected. Summary reports will be available soon, as well information on research gaps. She also gave an overview of Penobscot River data on the web (see www.pearl.maine.edu/windows/penobscot).

Task

2. Identify individuals to serve on the Steering Committee (may include members of the Organizing Committee). Broad input on this is sought to ensure a diverse, expert committee representing all interests.

Results of Meeting: It was agreed that the Steering Committee would be selected to ensure representation of key disciplines relevant to research on the Penobscot River. We decided to keep the categories BROAD and assume that fine-tuning would be done by ad hoc committees formed by the Steering Committee to address specific expertise needs and to ensure representation of all stakeholders. It was also agreed that this list will be reviewed and amended by the group before we act on it. Please send comments and revisions to us (George/Aram). Members agreed that initial contact might best be made by people who have working (or in some cases, living) relationships with the proposed members.

• Fish Joe Zydlewski (USGS)/Joan Trial (ASC), Jim McCleave (UME)
• Other Wildlife Mark McCollough (USFWS), Phillip deMaynadier (MDIFW)
• Wetlands Aram Calhoun (UME)
• Water Quality Dan Kusnierz (Penobscot Indian Nation), David Courtemanch (DEP), John Peckenham (UME)
• Hydrology and Geomorphology Noah Snyder (Boston College), Roger Hook (UME)
• Estuarine/Marine Processes Walter Barnhardt (USGS), Joe Kelly (UME), Dan Belknap (UME), Larry Mayer (UME, DMC)
• Penobscot River Restoration Trust (George Aponte-Clarke)
• Human Dimensions Kathleen Bell (UME), Lynn Lewis (Bates College)
• At Large Ray B. Owen (retired UME, MDIFW), John Banks (Penobscot Indian Nation)
• Regulatory Gordon Russell (USFWS)
• Ecosystem Analysis/modeling Josh Royte (TNC), Jim Wilson (UME)
• Mitchell Center (???)

Task

3. Convene with, and provide guidance to, the selected Steering Committee to ensure the process is launched successfully. (See action items below).

Results of Meeting: This item needs further development. The Organizing Committee identified next steps including providing more of a fleshed out framework for the Steering Committee. Things to be discussed regarding the role of the Steering Committee include:

• Administration and maintenance of the research data base and networking database
• Development of ad hoc committees
• Role of Steering Committee in directing /reviewing/approving research related to the River
• Role of Steering Committee in funding issues: hard position for Research Coordinator? Liason between researchers and funding sources? Seed money dispensers, etc.

George Aponte-Clarke clarified the role of the Penobscot River Restoration Trust as being one of many participants, not the leading organization.

The meeting adjourned at 3:30 pm. with the understanding that all would review the Steering Committee list, amend or comment on it, and also provide any feedback on any of the other agenda items via email to George (please cc Aram). Also, this is an opportunity for those who missed the meeting to provide feedback to the group. Another meeting date was not set with the understanding that we would communicate by email for these next couple of steps.

Action Items

1. We need someone to take a leadership role in the short term to move these actions items ahead (except where specific assignment is noted). Please let us know if you are willing to serve as Chair for the short, but efficient, life of the Organizing Committee.
2. Review Steering Committee list
3. Arrange a joint meeting of the Organizing Committee and Steering Committee in early January. Perhaps the two groups could work on drafting a mission statement and goals for the first year.
4. Review and identify other models for how this entity would function: structure and operating format. For example, Cooperative Agreements among groups etc.??
5. Send out break-out group reports from the Science Forum (George Aponte-Clarke)
6. Discuss how the networking database will be created and by whom
7. Touch base with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (Does anyone have feedback on this idea or connections with these folks?) Should they be included on the Steering Committee?

Please respond to both of us. Many thanks.
Aram Calhoun and George Aponte-Clarke