Westport Island Shellfish Committee

May 21, 2007 meeting minutes

The following is a summary of discussions held at the May 21, 2007 Shellfish committee meeting.

The committee met at 6:00PM in the town office. Committee members in attendance were Jerry Bodmer, Joe Donohue, Lincoln Richardson, Dave Bertran and Clem Sledge. Also attending the meeting were Ron Aho area biologist – DMR and Mike Innes commercial harvesters.

Minutes: The minutes from the May 1 meeting were signed by all members present. A copy of the minutes will be given to the town selectmen, town administrative assistant and a copy will be posted at the town office.

Warden’s report: Neither Lincoln nor Joe had anything to report.

Shellfish Harvesting School: Dave and Donna conducted the school along with Forest Smith and Mike Innes who demonstrated the techniques of harvesting and helped people, showing them how to properly dig. Approximately 20 people attended this very successful event. Everyone who attended went home with many clams and all had a great time. It was suggested that we conduct more of these schools in the future. Dave suggested that we look into giving out 2 inch plastic rings which could be used to measure clam size to people when they purchase shellfish licenses next year. We will investigate this further.

Conservation Program: We plan to survey and place brush at Fowles Cove starting at 6 AM on June 2. All committee members are encouraged to attend and assist in this effort. Joe will supply charts, maps, data sheets, and sample boxes. Dave will supply necessary stakes and along with Joe will place stakes in the cove on Saturday May 26 starting at 1PM. Clement will arrange for the required permits for placing the brushing and for required closing notices requests.

We plan on sampling McCarty Cove on June 9 starting at 11 AM. Joe will coordinate this effort. Ron recommended that we use 6 inch stove pipe or a two pound coffee can to sample. Five samples will be taken inside each of the ten seeded areas.

Other Business: The Issuance of commercial licenses in future years was discussed by the committee. No conclusions were arrived at, but this will be discussed at future meetings. Dave suggested that we invite the holder of the residential commercial license to a future meeting.

The committee discussed job assignments for the coming year. Jerry announced that he is leaving the committee after five years service when his term expires on July 12. Dave mentioned that he had been in contact with Mike Muchmore and due to work requirements Mike will also not continue on the committee. Dave proposed and the committee all agreed that Lincoln who is now an alternate member assume Jerry’s position of active member and that the committee look for two others in the community willing to take the alternate member positions. Jerry suggested that the committee contact his neighbor Dave Beseecher as well as Jay Seigars and invite them to join the committee. Dave will contact both of these candidates. Clement suggested that we contact others in the community who may be interested in serving on the committee. Jerry stated that he will provide the committee with a list of names that he has gather of people who expressed an interest of serving on the committee in the past. Dave mentioned several possible people who may be interested in serving. These include Dennis Dunbar, Dave Besecker and Paul Bonyun.

At the next meeting we will prepare recommendations for committee members that will be presented to the selectmen.

Next Meeting: The next meeting will be held on Tuesday June 5 starting at 6:00 PM. at the town office.

Chairman – Dave Bertran _______________________________

Vice Chairman - Clement Sledge ________________________________

Secretary – Joe Donohue _______________________________

Member– Jerry Bodmer _______________________________

Member – Donna Curry _______________________________

Member – Lincoln Richardson (alt) _______________________________

Member – Mike Muchmore (alt.) _______________________________

Signatures

Submitted by Joe Donohue - Secretary