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Restoring Stream Habitat Connectivity in a
High Conservation Success Index Subbasin- WB Machias, ME. EBTJV/NFHAP
NFHAP Funding Request: $20,000
Total Project: $40,000
Federal Matching Contributions: $7,000
Non-Federal Matching Contributions: $13,000
Unorganized township (T30 MD BPP) in Washington County, Maine
U.S. Congressional District: Maine 2nd District
Applicant Organization:
Project SHARE
14 Boyton Street
Eastport, ME 04631
Project Officer:
Steven Koenig
Executive Director
skoenig@salmonhabitat.org
207 853-0931
Submitted On:
September 30, 2009
Sponsoring U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Fisheries Office:
Maine Fishery Resources Office
East Orland, Maine 04431Project Officer:
Scott Craig
(207) 469-7300 (ext. 226) Office
(207) 469-6725 Fax
scott_craig@fws.gov
Fish passage, Ecological stream habitat connectivity, Remnant-native population, Cool water refugiaI. PROJECT DESCRIPTION, SCOPE OF WORK, AND PARTNER INFORMATION
A. Project Description and Scope of Work (not to exceed 500 words)
Project SHARE is working with a Private Landowner and the USFWS Maine Fishery Resources Office (MEFRO) to restore aquatic habitat connectivity in the W.B. Machias River. In a recent Fisheries Journal, this subbasin attained the highest Brook trout Conservation Success Index score among all Downeast Maine Rivers ADDIN EN.CITE Williams20073343334317Williams, Jack E.Haak, Amy L.Gillespie, NathanielColyer, Warren T.The Conservation Success Index: Synthesizing and Communicating Salmonid Condition and Management NeedsFisheriesFisheries477-4923210fisheries assessment, population integrity, CSI, conservation success index, native salmonids2007October 2007Sciencehttp://tucsi.spatialdynamics.com.(Williams, Haak et al. 2007). Our goal is to restore unhindered aquatic connectivity while maintaining free public access to people who hunt and fish in the privately owned WB Machias River. This project will reconnect approximately 0.5 miles of habitat upstream in a tributary that supports brook trout. However, the primary benefit will be in restoring ecological stream function.
This culvert replacement will be designed by stream simulation methodologies (Hotchkiss and Frei 2007) to allow natural passage of fish, sediments-nutrients and water by restoring ecological stream processes that have been hindered by 2 and 3 foot diameter culverts that are set too high at the inlet.
Threats to Brook Trout in the WB Machias River- Errors in the EBTJV Modeling Efforts:
The WB Machias River corresponds to EBTJV hydrologic unit number 230542. It should be noted that the watershed delineation (71.1 mile2) and associated road density calculation (0.05 km/km2) are in error. The watershed delineation error is associated with the inclusion of upper Mopang Stream (~21 mile2) into the WB Machias (actual 50 mile2 catchment area). The road density value is grossly in error, since ADDIN EN.CITE Hudy20053268326827Hudy, MarkThieling, Theresa M.Gillespie, NathanielSmith, Eric PDistribution, Status and Perturbations to Brook trout within the eastern United StatesFinal Report: Eastern Brook trout Joint Ventureself- sustaining, distribution, subwatersheds, Mid-Atlantic highland, extirpations2005October 28,2005scienceHudy 2005 EBTJV.pdfThieling20063406340632Thieling, Teresa MarieAssessment and predictive model for brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) population status in the eastern United States 65 pMaster of Science 2006Harrisonburg, VAJames Madison University(Hudy, Thieling et al. 2005; Thieling 2006) EBTJV utilized a road network dataset that focused on public roads, and the WB Machias does not have any public roads! We calculated a road density value of 2.33 km/km2 for the 50 mile2 WB Machias River. Although this value is 29 times greater than reported for the EBTJV modeling effort, it is probably an underestimate, because some new roads have been installed since our GIS road network dataset was assembled (1989).
The primary threat to brook trout in the WB Machias River is associated with the aging road network ADDIN EN.CITE Koenig20093584358427Koenig, SCraig, SRestoring Salmonid Aquatic/Riparian Habitat: A Strategic Plan for the Downeast Maine DPS Rivers45 p2009Eastport, MEProject SHARE and USFWS Maine Fishery Resources Office(Koenig and Craig 2009) that was grossly underestimated in the EBTJV modeling efforts. Project SHARE and MEFRO have recently completed a basin wide stream-road crossing and fisheries assessment in the WB Machias River. There are 43 fish bearing road (culvert) crossings in this subbasin that limit and degrade aquatic habitat connectivity. To date, we have completed 11 open arch culvert replacements and have decommissioned eight crossings in the WB Machias.
This proposal outlines the removal on one of the remaining (unfunded) headwater brook trout barriers in the WB Machias. We have applied and have received funding for all but two remaining fish bearing crossings in the WB Machias.
This stream road crossing currently has two undersized round corrugated metal culverts. Both culverts are damaged in terms of being deformed from routine maintaince activities that are required to keep the grossly undersized pipes free of debris. The larger pipe is also degrading rapidly because of rust-corrosion. We propose to install an 8 foot span open arch structure. B. Partner Information
Penobscot Forest LLC owns the entire W.B. Machias Subbasin- 50 miles2. The land is managed by American Forestry Management (AFM) of Milford, ME. Project SHARE will be the Project Coordinator for both of these parties. MEFRO is other contributing partner. Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife and Maine Department of Marine Resources are supporting State Agency partners. Total partners= 6.
Partner NameIn-KindFederal or Non- FederalPartner CategoryRole of PartnerProject SHARE$2,000 FederalLocal Conservation GroupStream Simulation DesignMEFRO$1,000 FederalFederalStream Simulation DesignAFM$1,000 Non- FederalCorporationStream Simulation DesignProject SHARE$1,500 FederalConservation GroupOnsite CoordinationMEFRO$1,500 FederalFederalOnsite CoordinationAFM$3,500 Non- FederalCorporationOnsite Coordination & Materials (gravel-stone)Project SHARE$5,000 FederalConservation GroupPost Project MonitoringMEFRO$4,500 FederalFederalPost Project MonitoringTotal$20,000
C. Project Timeline
Project SHARE and MEFRO have already conducted culvert surveys and an initial fisheries assessment at the proposed site, so the next step is to collect longitudinal and channel cross section profiles for the stream simulation design aspect of the project. Project SHARE and the MEFRO will work with the Landowner to replace one degraded culvert with an Open Arch structure by Stream Simulation Design Methodology ADDIN EN.CITE Hotchkiss20073347334727Hotchkiss, Rollin H.Frei, Christopher M.Design for Fish Passage at Roadway-Stream Crossings: Synthesis Report280 p2007McLean, VirginiaU.S. Dept. of Transportation: Federal Highway AdministrationFHWA-HIF-07-033http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/engineering/hydraulics/pubs/07033/07033.pdfFed_Highway_2007.pdfUSDA Forest Service20083564356427USDA Forest Service,Stream Simulation: An Ecological Approach to Providing Passage for Aquatic Organisms at Road-Stream Crossings2008San Dimas, CANational Technology and Development Programhttp://www.fs.fed.us/eng/pubs/pdf/StreamSimulation/index.shtml(Hotchkiss and Frei 2007; USDA Forest Service 2008).
These activities (1.5 day afield) will be conducted by all of the contributing partners in June of 2010 or 2011. Project SHARE will perform the input and interpretation of the Stream Simulation field data, this will take approximately 1 day.
From our 50+ past road-stream connectivity projects, we have a direct line to a reputable open arch culvert supplier and construction company.
Our instream work window is July 15 Oct 1st. The culvert replacement will take a day and a half.
Provided that funds are available for ordering and purchasing culverts before June 1st 2010, we should have no problem completing the project by October 1, 2010. If funds are not available before this time, the project will be completed in 2011.
Post project monitoring will be conducted by SHARE and MEFRO. This site will be monitored several times each summer for debris accumulation and/or beaver related activity. Note: The new structure should provide adequate height such that a beaver dam would not completely block the culvert inlet. If any of these debris problems arise, we will contact the land manager and take corrective action.
Two years post-project, we will resurvey our bench-marked or monumented longitudinal and channel profiles and established photo points as per the recommendations and procedures of Collins et al. (2007). We will also continue our water temperature monitoring (30 minute intervals) below the road (initiated May 26, 2009) for 5-7 years (battery life of temp. logger). Since MEFRO has already conducted electro-fishing to determine brook trout size, condition and fish species relative abundance, a follow-up comparison will be performed 3-5 years after the project has been completed; as per the recommendations of Sweka et al ADDIN EN.CITE Sweka20063295329517Sweka, John A.Hartman, Kyle J.Effects of large woody debris addition on stream habitat and brook trout populations in Appalachian streamHydrobiologicalHydrobiological363- 378559large woody debris, brook trout, stream habitat2006August 27, 2003scienceSweka2006.pdf(2006).
Permitting:
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is completely covered by categorical exclusion in 516 DM 2, Appendix 1 1.4B.
The project is located in an unorganized township within Washington County, Maine. (T30 MD BPP). Therefore CWA 404 permits are easily obtained by the permit by rule jurisdiction of the Maine Land Use Regulatory Commission.
Both the Maine Fisheries Complex and Project SHARE are covered under section (10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act through a Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment (GOM DPS) Atlantic Salmon Regional Endangered Species Blanket Permit #697823. Incidental take reports are provided to Ecological Services (Old Town Field Office and Regional Office in Hadley, MA) each year for our restoration activities.
Since no structures of any kind are located within 0.5 miles of the restoration site, the project cannot have significant adverse effects on properties listed, or eligible for listing on the State or National Register of Historic Places.
II. MAP OF PROJECT AREA The EBTJV hydrologic unit number 230542. -67.948 44.950 Decimal Degrees
III. PHOTOGRAPH OF PROJECT AREA
Project location photographs are available from upon request. Also see title page.
IV. PROJECT BUDGET
General Requirements
NFHAP Request $20,000, partner contribution $20,000. Total $40,000
B. Budget Table
PartnerActivity NFHAP Request Non-Fed. Contribution Federal Contribution Total Acres/ miles Affected Project SHAREStream Simulation Design $ 1,000 $ 1,000 Restore access to 0.5
miles of upstream habitat MEFROStream Simulation Design $ 1,000 $ 1,000 AFMStream Simulation Design $ 1,000 $ 1,000 Project SHAREStream Simulation Design Analysis 1 day $ 1,000 $ 1,000 Project SHAREOnsite Coordination 1.5 days $ 1,500 $ 1,500 MEFROOnsite Coordination 1.5 days $ 1,500 $ 1,500 AFMOnsite Coordination 1.5 days & Materials $ 3,500 $ 3,500 Project SHAREPost Project Monitoring 1-2 days/yr for 5-6 years $ 5,000 $ 5,000 MEFROPost Project Monitoring 1-2 days/yr for 5-6 years $ 4,500 $ 4,500 Purchase Open Arch culvert $ 6,500 $ 6,500 Contractor- Replacements 1.5 days 1$13,500 $13,500 Total$20,000 $ 13,000 $ 7,000 $40,000
1 Full Construction Crew with Heavy Duty Excavators
V. EVALUATION QUESTIONS
Conservation of Sustainable Brook Trout Populations:
Explain how the project sufficiently protects brook trout habitat. Does the project include fee simple land purchase or easements?
The project does not protect brook trout habitat through an official easement to a conservation organization. However, the state owned Machias River corridor easement is located 2.5 miles downstream of the project. The proposed project stream is completely protected by existing forestry guidelines in an unorganized township. There is no human related development, nor plans for development in the proposed stream. Although public access is free and unrestricted during the fishing season, MEFRO has a 10-year term agreement with Project SHARE to access the property.
List the specific regional or range wide EBTJV habitat objectives addressed by the project and describe how the project will contribute towards them.
This restoration and assessment project improves habitat and overall aquatic connectivity. These features address four of the five range wide EBTJV habitat objectives.
1. Protect brook trout populations across the eastern United States.
2. Restore brook trout populations where original habitat conditions exist and where habitats can be restored.
3. Monitor and evaluate brook trout population responses to habitat protection, enhancement and restoration projects.
5. Increase recreational fishing opportunities for wild brook trout.
List the specific state-level EBTJV habitat objectives addressed by the project and describe how the project will contribute towards them.
Habitat Protection strategies addressed 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5 Restore connectivity
Outreach strategies addressed 3.2 Project in newsletter
Recreational Fishing strategies addressed 4.1 Fishing improved
List the State Wildlife Action Plan habitat conservation goals that are addressed by the project.
Aquatic conservation goals are not clearly specified in Maines Wildlife Action Plan?
The project address the State of Maines brook trout conservation strategy by restoring ecological stream habitat connectivity and pre-post project effectiveness monitoring ADDIN EN.CITE Bonney20013019301927Bonney, Forrest R.Brook Trout Management Plan34 p1,487 Lakes, principle fisheries 1,1352001Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Division of Fisheries and Hatcherieshttps://www.state.me.us/ifw/fishing/managementplans/(Bonney 2001).
Threatened and Endangered Species and Species of Conservation or Management Concern:
Will the completed project benefit any federally listed threatened or endangered species?
Yes- The project site is located within critical habitat of Atlantic Salmon (Gulf of Maine) DPS area ADDIN EN.CITE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration20083402340246National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,Endangered and Threatened Species; Proposed Critical Habitat for the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment of Atlantic Salmon51747-51781731732008Federal RegisterDocket No. 08080610608106201http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/press_release/2008/News/NR0823/CHprtxt.pdf2008_Critical_Habitat.pdf(National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 2008). Critical habitat is defined as all perennial streams for this species. This proposal will restore ecological stream habitat and function of Atlantic salmon critical habitat.
Will the completed project benefit any state listed threatened or endangered species?
Yes- restored aquatic connectivity will benefit the following state listed species: Blanding's Turtle- Emys blandingii, Spotted Turtle- Clemmys guttata, Box Turtle- Terrapene carolina
Will the completed project benefit any state or federal species of conservation or management concern?
Yes. Brook trout, Atlantic salmon and American eel
Will the project benefit other species of economic importance not included above?
Our stream simulation design projects provide natural ecological stream habitat function to occur. Since the culvert will be replaced with an Open Arch structure exceeding 1.2 times the bankfull channel width, the project will provide passage to all aquatic (salamanders, turtles etc.) and nearly all terrestrial animals (exception is adult Moose through the Open Arch).
How does the project contribute to the conservation of genetically distinct populations or species?
Yes, Endangered Atlantic salmon in the Machias River (population) and a non-hatchery population of brook trout (no stocking of hatchery trout reside in WB Machias River watershed
Project Benefits:
What is the status of the brook trout population (intact, reduced, and extirpated) in the watershed?
230542 is Intact. This proposal will restore ecological stream function in one brook trout tributary in the WB Machias River, a watershed that attained the highest brook trout Conservation Success Index within Downeast Maine ADDIN EN.CITE Williams20073343334317Williams, Jack E.Haak, Amy L.Gillespie, NathanielColyer, Warren T.The Conservation Success Index: Synthesizing and Communicating Salmonid Condition and Management NeedsFisheriesFisheries477-4923210fisheries assessment, population integrity, CSI, conservation success index, native salmonids2007October 2007Sciencehttp://tucsi.spatialdynamics.com.(Williams, Haak et al. 2007). The proposed restoration action has a high probability of maintaining long-term survival of a resident brook trout population and this in turn will benefit the larger metapopulation that encompasses the WB Machias Watershed.
What is the EBTJV priority ranking for the proposed project watershed?
Score is 1.66 within the watershed. This is the best of the best!
Does the project connect to a watershed that is identified as intact or reduced?
EBTJV lists as Intact. A downstream debris barrier (beaver dam on top of old log drive dam?) will be removed in 2010. See map and aerial photograph.
Will the project provide expansion of existing brook trout habitat?
Project will immediately restore unhindered upstream access to 0.5 miles of cold water refugia and spawning habitat. Project will also restore salmonid habitat that has been inundated by conveyance structures that are set too high and are too narrow to allow natural ecologic connectivity functions. The proposed restoration action has a high probability of maintaining long-term survival of a native resident brook trout population and this in turn will benefit the larger metapopulation that encompasses the WB Machias Watershed.
Will the project restore tributary stream or mainstem habitats?
It will restore unhindered access to cold water refugia and excellent spawning habitat in a tributary that directly enters Cranberry lake. See Map.
What is the probability of long-term success in supporting a sustainable fishable brook trout population in the project area?
Excellent! The WB Machias River attained the highest brook trout Conservation Success Index score within Downeast Maine ADDIN EN.CITE Williams20073343334317Williams, Jack E.Haak, Amy L.Gillespie, NathanielColyer, Warren T.The Conservation Success Index: Synthesizing and Communicating Salmonid Condition and Management NeedsFisheriesFisheries477-4923210fisheries assessment, population integrity, CSI, conservation success index, native salmonids2007October 2007Sciencehttp://tucsi.spatialdynamics.com.(Williams, Haak et al. 2007).
Endurance of Benefits:
What percentage of the watershed above the proposed project is protected in perpetuity?
100% of the land area above the site is protected by existing State of Maine forestry guidelines. There are no plans for future development in this unorganized township.
What are the primary causes of the watershed degradation in the project area?
The sole cause is the stream-road crossing and this degradation source will be corrected by the installation of a bankfull spanning open arch culvert. No other human development is located above or near the proposed site.
On June 30 2008 MEFRO and SHARE staff captured fourteen brook trout below the road (100 m), but only one trout was observed above the road (100 m). Habitat degradation via the stream-road crossing was cited as a limiting factor during the electrofishing survey.
Are there competitive non-native or invasive fish in the watershed with access (no barrier) to the proposed project?
No. Electrofishing has detected only brook trout and golden shiner in the project area. Golden shiner are also native and ubiquitous within the WB Machias Watershed. HYPERLINK "http://www.pearl.maine.edu/windows/biodiversity/fish_checklist.htm" http://www.pearl.maine.edu/windows/biodiversity/fish_checklist.htm
What species of trout or other aquatic species are currently stocked within the proposed project watershed?
Brook trout are not stocked in the WB Machias Watershed. River specific endangered Atlantic salmon are stocked in the WB Machias River Watershed.
Management Assets:
Describe the plans for monitoring and evaluation?
Yes- See Project timeline section C for details on our monitoring and evaluation plan.
Describe plans for public fishing access at the proposed site.
Yes- Free public access will be maintained within the 50 square mile WB Machias watershed. AFM currently allows the public free access to roads and adjacent lands in the WB Machias for angling, hunting, hiking, and boating. Providing that the public continues to act as good stewards of the land, AFM does not have any plans to restrict public access in the WB Machias.
Describe the outreach component of the project.
Yes, the project will be highlighted in the Project SHARE Newsletter.
Will the project improve the recreational fishery?
Stream habitat is degraded above and below the road crossing. The project will contribute to the recreational fishery by improving salmonid habitat and connectivity to better spawning habitats upstream. State biologist (Jordan) says it will improve fishing- See letter of support.
Describe the long-term maintenance plan for the project.
No, the project is designed such that it will not require long term maintenance to maintain benefits. However, Project SHARE and MEFRO will continue to monitor this site in terms of both structure integrity and biologic response. MEFRO base funds will be utilized.
Other Special Considerations:
MEFRO and Project SHARE have surveyed and assessed the entire WB Machias River for both stream-road crossings and fish assemblage (presence-absence-relative abundance). Our goal is to restore unhindered ecological stream habitat connectivity in all 43 fish bearing stream-road crossings in the WB Machias. If this project is awarded, we will only have 2 crossings to fund!
Project SHARE and the MEFRO have completed over 50 culvert replacements (Open Arches) and >15 culvert removals (road decommissions) by the application of Stream Simulation Design. All of these projects continue to provide unhindered aquatic habitat connectivity (upstream and down). In all instances, fish are not precluded by old dilapidated culverts; in fact, fish now live under the road, or within the confines of the old road crossing!
It also cannot be stressed enough that unlimited free public access to a 50 square mile subbasin will be maintained in the WB Machias. This is a premier brook trout fishing destination.
Supporting Documentation and Management Plans:
Bonney, F. R. (2001). Brook Trout Management Plan, Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Division of Fisheries and Hatcheries: 34 p.
Bonney, F. R. (2006). Maine Brook Trout: Biology, Conservation, Management. Augusta, ME, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife: 153 p
Collins, M., K. Lucey, et al. ( 2007). Stream Barrier Removal Monitoring Guide, Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment: 85 p.
Hotchkiss, R. H. and C. M. Frei (2007). Design for Fish Passage at Roadway-Stream Crossings: Synthesis Report. McLean, Virginia, U.S. Dept. of Transportation: Federal Highway Administration: 280 p.
Hudy, M., T. M. Thieling, et al. (2005). Distribution, Status and Perturbations to Brook trout within the eastern United States. Final Report: Eastern Brook trout Joint Venture.
Koenig, S. and S. Craig (2009). Restoring Salmonid Aquatic/Riparian Habitat: A Strategic Plan for the Downeast Maine DPS Rivers. Eastport, ME, Project SHARE and USFWS Maine Fishery Resources Office: 45 p.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (2009). "Endangered and Threatened Species; Designation of Critical Habitat for Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment; Final Rule." Federal Register 74(117): 29300-29341.
Sweka, J. A. and K. J. Hartman (2006). "Effects of large woody debris addition on stream habitat and brook trout populations in Appalachian stream." Hydrobiological 559: 363- 378.
Thieling, T. M. (2006). Assessment and predictive model for brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) population status in the eastern United States Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University. Master of Science 65 p.
USDA Forest Service (2008). Stream Simulation: An Ecological Approach to Providing Passage for Aquatic Organisms at Road-Stream Crossings. San Dimas, CA, National Technology and Development Program.
Williams, J. E., A. L. Haak, et al. (2007). "The Conservation Success Index: Synthesizing and Communicating Salmonid Condition and Management Needs." Fisheries 32(10): 477-492.
September 29, 2009
EBTJV Committee Project SHARE
HYPERLINK "mailto:skoenig@salmonhabitat.org" Steven D. Koenig
Executive Director
14 Boyton Street
Eastport, ME 04631
Subject: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Maine Fishery Resources Office Support to Project SHARE for Stream Restoration Efforts in the WB Machias River
The Maine Fishery Resources Office (MEFRO) of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) greatly supports Project SHARE (Salmon Habitat and River Enhancement) in their endeavor to restore unhindered aquatic habitat connectivity in the WB Machias River Watershed located in Downeast Maine.
We have collaborated with Project SHARE on over 50 culvert projects in the past three years, including nineteen projects with American Forestry Management (AFM) in the WB Machias River. I can assure you that any funds issued will be spent wisely and expeditiously.
These projects have received support from both State resource agencies in Maine (Dept. Inland Fish & Wildlife and Dept. Marine Resources).
Sincerely,
SHAPE \* MERGEFORMAT
Scott D. Craig
Assistant Project Leader MEFRO
207 469-7300 x226
"Jordan, Richard"
09/29/2009 09:09 AM
Letter of support for SHARE culvert replacement in Machias watershed
To whom it may concern,
This email is a letter of strong support for the grant application of Steve Koenig and Project SHARE to the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture for additional money for culvert replacement and removal of old logging dams in tributaries to the Machias River watershed in Eastern Maine.
I am very familiar with the high quality work that has been done by Project SHARE. The design, culvert sizing, and construction work are done to very high standards. Numerous projects have been done, serving to restore streams and their associated crossings to a very natural condition with open-bottom arched culverts which are properly sized to prevent future washouts and siltation at previous problem areas.
These projects have restored stream connectivity, permitting unimpeded movement of Eastern Brook trout throughout numerous subwatersheds. I consider the projects that have been done to be one of the greatest examples in the United States of proper culvert crossings over brook trout streams. Also, I expect trout populations to increase as a result of the projects that have been completed.
Rick Jordan
Rick Jordan, Regional Fisheries Biologist
Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife
P.O. Box 220
Jonesboro, ME 04648-0220
Phone: (207)-434-5925
Fax: (207)-434-5923
Email: richard.jordan@maine.gov
STATE OF MAINE
DEPARTMENT OF
MARINE RESOURCES
Bureau of Sea-run Fisheries and Habitats
Jonesboro
P.O. Box 178
317 Whitneyville Road (Location) Jonesboro, ME 04648
JOHN ELIAS BALDACCI
GOVERNOR
GEORGE D. LAPOINTE
COMMISSIONER
June 30, 2009
EBJTV Committee
AUTOTEXTLIST To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing this letter in support of a grant application from Project SHARE for funds to support continued connectivity and habitat improvement projects. While most of the work we have observed has focused on endangered populations of Atlantic salmon, we have also documented benefits to brook trout. In the low order tributaries where much of this work occurs we have noticed large numbers of juvenile and adult brook trout. Continued work improving connectivity will increase the wild brook trout populations because of improved access to spawning habitat, cool water refuge, and other food sources.
Project SHARE has shown it can do quality work in culvert replacement. To date Project SHARE has installed over 50 culverts. In each project I have been associated with, Project SHARE has demonstrated a high level of care over the stream community and had minimal negative impact on the stream as a result of the construction.
I strongly support this grant application and look forward to continued benefits to Atlantic salmon and brook trout populations in the Downeast Maine region as a result of this work.
AUTOTEXTLIST Sincerely,
Ernie Atkinson
AUTOTEXTLIST Ernie Atkinson
AUTOTEXTLIST Fisheries Biologist
AUTOTEXTLIST DMR - Bureau of Sea-run Fisheries and Habitats
E-mail: ernie.atkinson@maine.gov
PAGE
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"Each stream has an individuality as distinctive as that of a living thing. Each presents its own set of life-or death challenges to the creatures that live in it. Forever changing, forever posing new problems of survival, the stream is never an easy place for life. But its community of plants and animals is always rich, varied, and endlessly fascinating."
The Life of Rivers and Streams by Robert L. Usinger
http://www.Maine.gov
PHONE: (207) 434-5921 FAX: (207) 434-5923
Inlet- Upstream
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United States Department of the Interior
USFWS Site 2007-225
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Maine Fisheries Program Complex
Maine Fishery Resources Office
306 Hatchery Road
East Orland, Maine 04431
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