Westport Island Shellfish Committee

June 13, 2006 meeting minutes

The following is a summary of discussions held at the June 13, 2006 Shellfish committee meeting.

The committee met at 6:00PM in the town office. Committee members in attendance were David Bertran, Joe Donohue, Donna Curry, Jerry Bodmer and Lincoln Richardson. Amy Fitzpatrick and Deacie Couture directors for DMR attended to address the committee on current progress in opening of new shellfish flats S/W of Squam Creek. Ron Aho attended as DMR advisor to the committee. Also attending the meeting was Forest Smith and Matt Herrick who are commercial harvesters.

Minutes: A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes as read. This was approved by the members of the committee. After signing the minutes by committee members, a copy of the minutes will be given to the town selectmen and a copy will be posted at the town office.

Status of Squam Creek South Opening: Amy Fitzpatrick and Darcie Couture discussed with the committee their current plans for completing the study that would allow DMR to make a decision on opening these flats.

Darcie said that she will be writing a final draft which will propose the opening of the new shellfish area S/W of Squam Creek within two weeks. Once approval is obtained, exact boundaries of the new area can be identified and legal notices will be published in the local newspapers advertising the opening of these new flats.

They requested help (primarily from Jerry Bodmer) in identifying the type of sanitary facilities currently installed on certain properties and help in answering land use questions in the area encompassing their Sanitary Report. Since none of the properties in question is located within the area of the proposed new flats this report will not affect plan to open the new area.

The Committee thanked Amy and Darcie for their efforts and again committed to help them in any way that would be needed.

McCardy Cove Seeding: The seeding of McCardy Cove was completed on May 13. The work team included Joe Donohue, Dave Bertran, Lincoln Richardson, Forest Smith, Matt Herrick, Dave Blake, Donna Curry, and Clem Sledge. Clement Sledge made arrangements to have the seedlings shipped, the netting rigged, and permits obtained. The committee still needs the complete billing information from Clem so that he can be reimbursed for any outstanding bills. The committee is especially grateful to Clem for all the work that he has done to make this seeding operation a success.

Warden’s report: No significant incidents were observed by either Joe or Lincoln during their patrols this past month.

New Business: The committee discussed the appointment of a new Vice Chairman. Clem Sledge’s name was put forward as a possible candidate. All present agreeing that they would be in favor of Clem taking that position. Dave will propose this position to Clem and if it is agreeable to Clem he will fill the position of Vice Chairman.

Fowles Cove Survey: The Committee discussed doing a clam survey in Fowles Cove during the month of July in preparation of seeding or placing brushing in the cove which might be helpful in attracting clams. This will be further discussed at our next meeting.

Committee Appointments: The committee discussed the list of appointments of committee members that was provided to the Selectmen following our February meeting. Joe will contact the Selectmen and request that the recommendations be accepted and approved by the Selectmen.

Next Meeting: A motion was made by David that we adjourn. The Next meeting will be held on July 11, 2006 at 6:00 PM.

Member – Dave Bertran Chairman _______________________________

Vice Chairman ________________________________

Member– Jerry Bodmer _______________________________

Secretary – Joe Donohue _______________________________

Member – Lincoln Richardson _______________________________

Member – Clement Sledge _______________________________

Member – Donna Curry _______________________________

Signatures

Submitted by Joe Donohue - Secretary