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MINAS BASIN WORKING GROUP MINUTES 2003 Agendas for Upcoming Meeting: Minutes of Meetings: Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership Present: Mike Brylinsky, Glanville Travis, Jon Percy, Peter Wells, Barry Jones, Pat Hinch (scribe1), Reg Newell, Dave Duggan, Nancy Roscoe-Huntley (scribe2) Regrets: Max Westhead, Graham Daborn, Shayne McQuaid, Jamie Orser, Anita Hamilton, Hank Kolstee, Justin Huston _______________________________________________________________________________ 1. Welcome and Introductions 2. Review of agenda and additions to agenda 3. Review and approval of minutes from the previous meeting
(5 November 2002) 4. Review of action items from the previous meeting. Update on Action Workshop: Members were not sure if Jen Morse or Carolyn Canning are interested in theses topics on /with the Minas Basin Working Group. Action: It was agreed during the previous meeting that Max would talk to Carolyn to discuss topics/determine her level of interest. Actions pertaining to planning the Leads Workshop were completed prior to the workshop and were not carried forward. Reports on other agenda items, including the integrated Fish Management Proposal, the Habitat Sub-Committee, are included in the meeting agenda for discussion during today’s meeting (January 9, 2003). 5. Report of the Integrated Fish Management Proposal Action: Dave agreed to set up the meeting to move the process forward in cooperation with Graham and Graham’s involvement in the meeting. It was suggested that the meeting be held in Wolfville. 6. Report of the Habitat Sub-Committee The concern has been that no one is clear on what the workplan of the Habitat Sub-Committee is as there is no action plan for the committee or agreement on what should be done. Pat indicated that the initial study of the group to characterize the Salmon River watershed, provides the initial background information for the identification of significant species and habitats. The intent is to continue this work using the project outline developed initially by the Minas Basin Group as a guide to further study leading to development of management plans. Pat had the impression that Shayne intended to build the Salmon River project into his workplan for the 2003 - 2004 fiscal year and may have already done this. The Committee has had difficulty getting together to discuss/clarify plans. Dave noted that the students involved in the Salmon River project made another presentation on January 6th at the Crossley Carpet Boardroom at BIO and it was well received. Members agreed that it is important that the Sub-Committee meet and develop an action plan which identifies specific products. They also agreed that the Minas Basin Working Group remain involved to keep the momentum of the Habitat Sub-Committee going. Also members indicated the need to link with the Cobequid Group concerning possible coordination of efforts especially in relation to stream bank stabilization. Action: It was recommended that the Habitat Sub-Committee hold a meeting to discuss development of an action plan. Pat agreed to contact Anita and Shayne to determine the status of the project and to report back during the next Minas Basin Working Group meeting. 7. Status of Forum Final Reports The discussion that followed focused on the need to have an agreed relationship between DFO and BOFEP Inc. concerning an appropriate and effective processes for passage of funds from DFO to BOFEP Inc. for payment of bills in general and in particular for payment of bills arising from the leads workshop. Barry indicated that he needs a list of expenses from the leads workshop for budget purposes. Dave reported that DFO signed a contract with BOFEP Inc on Nov 13, 2002 to cover specified costs for Leads Workshop and printing of Minas Basin reports: -5K was allocated to the workshop -1K was allocated to print the Minas Basin Profile -3K was allocated to print the final versions of all workshop reports -500 was allocated for Robin’s expenses Funding to cover these costs is still in the DFO account. Dave requires invoices to pay the bills. Robin’s expenses have been paid by DFO as they were not related to the contract. Action: BOFEP will pay what is owed in workshop expenses and DFO will reimburse the agreed costs. Action: The printing quote will be sent to DFO to Dave Duggan and DFO will pay the invoice directly. Action: Barry Jones will talk to Graham Daborn concerning payment arrangements. Action: Barry Jones will generate deliverables for $9K and an invoice for DFO relative to the contract. (ACER paid for the workshop. Barry will send an invoice for the workshop to DFO for 5K with the understanding that a final reports for the leads workshop and a summary for the Summerville workshop are to come). Peter indicated that ‘A Summary of Minas basin Workshops’ is being revised to ensure that the table of contents reflects the pagination and that a bibliographic page is added. There have been 3 Minas Basin Workshops and one Leads Workshop. Members suggested that it would be useful to have all reports included in one document. Others felt that the three Minas Basin Workshops Reports should be in one document and the Summerville Report should be separate. Jon reported that all available reports have been placed on the website. It was suggested that the final versions also be added to the website. Members agreed that we need to use the workshop reports in the development of the action plan for 2003 and/or the development of a fact sheet. Members suggested the idea of a workshop report being part of the workshop deliverable or product. Peter suggested that each Minas Basin Report should have a bibliographic page and an assigned ISBN number. Issues of concern that remain are: -printing and distribution of the collection of reports from five meetings -distribution of the summary report to all participants of the workshops -completion of final revisions to reports (Robin is no longer on contract. Robin and Peter have the reports on diskette) The Summerville workshop report is finished but has not been bound. The draft copy was sent to Minas Basin Working Group members for comment and these comments were incorporated into the report. Decisions: -Summary of Workshop and table of contents and title details need fixing. - January for revisions. -Minas Basin profile needs 1 map from Jennifer Action: Mike will obtain the map and acknowledge help received from Jennifer -Printing and distribution: number of copies required of each report, request for ISBN numbers, number of copies for the National Library) -Distribution of the Summerville Workshop Report and the Summary of Community Forums is seen as a priority. -Distribution of the Profile Report to key people and make the document available on request and on the web Action: Jon will finalize the edit on the Summerville Report and Summary Report and will determine from Robin, how many workshop reports are required for distribution to all workshop participants. Actions: Mailouts will be from Environment Canada offices from Megan. (Megan will be involved in bulk mailing, preparation of envelopes and labeling). Envelopes for proceedings will come from Environment Canada in Environment Canada envelopes). Peter will check the budget for payment of the mailout. Actions: Jon will send final versions of the two reports and 1 profile (with 1 map added) to Dave and Dave will handle printing. (This is to be done in one month). Dave reported that $9500 has been spent. It may be possible for DFO to pay for mailing. Action: Dave will check on DFO’s commitment and the possibility of covering mailout costs. Action: DFO will print the 2 forum reports plus the leads report. The following status table was developed to summarize the documents discussion:
8. MBWG involvement in "State of the Gulf Summit" Fora The schedule is as follows: -forums re completed by March end -Nova Scotia and New Brunswick hold 12 separate forums (Minas Basin is 1 forum region) -Information from these forums comes together in the form of a matrix. How the information comes together is determined by the group holding the forum to meet the group’s needs. Forums have been held in Lower St. John, St Margarets Bay, Minas Basin, Annapolis Basin, Chignecto -Shepody, St, Croix Quoddy, Upper St. John, and Coastal Bay of Fundy. The purpose of these forums as indicated is the development of an ecological regional matrix pulled together to derive a state of the environment report for the Gulf of Maine area. Some forums will be completed by the end of March but others won’t. By Fall 2003, a Stewardship Workshop will be held to examine forum results and progress. The Stewardship workshop will lead to a Summit Conference in mid 2004, which pulls together all forum results and produces a final report. In December 2002, the Gulf of Maine Council passed a resolution to support the process. The State of the Gulf of Maine is an ongoing process and GPAC is the organization that is setting the process in motion. It is likely that the Gulf of Maine Council will construct a method/approach to provide updates on the state of the Gulf of Maine over time. USEPA, NOAA and a Canadian contingency met in December 2002 in New Hampshire to discuss coordination of monitoring programs to generate data for the matrices. These agencies want to link their efforts with those of GPAC and the Gulf of Maine Council. A third set of players are interested in State of the environment reports for the North Eastern US. The website for further information is: www. gomsummit.org In terms of a target audience, champions of each region determine who will participate in the forums. eg. the whole community or specific people to represent sectors. Instructions on how to complete the matrix are available. The matrix is color coded and each matrix box is footnoted on how an evaluation was achieved. Minas Basin has held 4 forums as part of the GPAC process. members asked if it was necessary to run another Minas Basin forum because we didn’t design the fora to respond specifically to questions posed by the matrix as GPAC has outlined. Barry indicated no that another forum wouldn’t be necessary. He suggested that the Minas Basin Working Group take a first cut at the matrix between March 2003 and the Summit in 2004. Before the Summit in 2004, a group needs to draw all matrices together. A key question posed by Working Group members is whether the Minas Basin Working Group can distill the information from 4 fora into one matrix. It was suggested that we bring together a dozen people to pull the information together into a matrix. Barry indicated that how this is done is up to each region. The Summit spells the beginning of a continued process to evaluate state of the environment and progress toward improvement. It was decided that we need to hold another workshop that discusses issues chosen on the basis of the reality of the importance of the issues. No funding is available for the fora. The timeline is the end of March 2003 to Fall 2003. In New Brunswick, the Conservation Council approached the Environmental Trust Fund and received funding. In Nova Scotia, no one has applied for funds. Members realized that a workshop of this kind would require considerable coordination, and much work. Questions focused on whether the Minas Basin Working Group could do this without funding and within the timeline. before the Stewardship Workshop or not at all. Members agreed that Minas Basin be involved and be involved so far as resources allow and become more involved as resources become available. It was agreed that we need to identify an internal coordinator and potential funding sources. It was suggested that we piggyback with a workshop in May 2003 on ecological overviews. Members suggested that the Minas Basin Working Group talk to Arthur Bull MRC concerning the potential involvement of the Salt Water Network. Decisions: -accept the GPAC matrix concept in principle and agree to try to hold a workshop -find funding for a coordinator(s) to organize the workshop (Max, Jon) -produce background materials - Max to develop an ecological overview and profile -the focus of the workshop will be to see how existing material links with the GPAC Summit matrix For next meeting: -make the decision on whether we are going to hold the workshop -determine the format and timeline for the workshop after March 2003 (early May likely) -Barry will provide an update on the possibility of funding from BOFEP Action: Barry will talk to Graham concerning the budget level of BOFEP. 9. Lunch 10. Update on Truro Action Workshop Mike indicated that 4K as allocated to printing the workshop document only and the question was asked, how far will this go? Peter suggested that we need to work out a BOFEP numbering system for reports. Action: Max will look into options for printing all documents including printing at Dalhousie Action: Nancy will determine estimate the costs of document printing at Acadia Action: Mike needs to send a thank you letter to those who assisted in presenting at the workshop such as Sean Brilliant (ACAP Saint John) and Gary McMahon (Cobequid Salmon Association). A decision needs to be made whether or not to hold another workshop. 11. Next steps for the MBWG Max will be asked to produce an overview of plans. The time line will be after March but not too far into summer – mid May will be the latest. Jon discussed possibilities for web page materials. The need to have an information officer was discussed. The Saltwater Network which involves Arthur Bull was discussed. Contact will be made with this group. Action: Barry to meet with Arthur Bull and discuss this network and how this group might be able to work effectively through the Bay in a coordinated effort. There was a suggestion that Arthur might be able to make a presentation to this group at the next meeting. The need for a central coordinator was also discussed; one for BoFEP and one for MBWG or could one person assist both these groups? There was discussion on the need to outline what this group should focus on during the upcoming fiscal year; projects such as the Windsor Causeway were discussed. Mike asked that members draft a list of what the group should be doing and how to obtain financial assistance. We need to identify key issues and go after money, following the action plan. There is a lot of confusion in communities and groups as to what we are or not doing. Where do we go from here? An outline follows: Action: at the next meeting discuss these ideas further. The action plan for the upcoming year was discussed and it was agreed that this item be deferred until the next meeting, at which time members will have had time to review reports. The major focus should be on GPAC details and to develop an action plan based on the forum reports. Be prepared to discuss at the next meeting. Action: Jon agreed to discuss a waiver statement at the next Steering Committee meeting regarding the BoFEP Web site to indicate that MBWG (or BoFEP) doesn’t support an issue one way or the other but will make a commitment to communities/groups to assist in the evaluation of a situation. 12. Other business 13 Next meeting 14. Adjournment Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership Present: Mike Brylinsky, Graham Daborn, Darren Hiltz, Justin Huston (scribe), Reg Newell, Shayne McQuaid, Andrew Stewart, Glanville Travis, Max WestheadRegrets: Dave Duggan Anita Hamilton, Pat Hinch Barry Jones, Hank Kolstee Nancy Roscoe-Huntley Jon Percy Sherri Turner, Peter Wells 1. Mike welcomed members to the meeting. 2. Review of agenda and additions to agenda 3. Review and approval of minutes from the previous meeting (January
9th, 2003) 4. Status of the Integrated Fish Management Proposal
(Graham Daborn). Action item: Nancy will be asked to take the lead on setting up the logistics for this meeting. 5. Report of the Habitat Sub-Committee Shayne discussed DFO’s plan for community watershed groups as well as dividing the Bay of Fundy into zones or umbrellas for grouping community groups into working groups. Shayne’s group (DFO) Habitat is looking at just resource integrated management (ecological, fish, fish habitat) as opposed to DFO which also looks at social/economic etc. Minas Basin Working Group would be one of the umbrella groups. It was noted that it wouldn’t just be DFO but other groups such as funding agencies, etc. that would need to be brought in. 6. Status of Forum Final Reports Action item: Max will look into costs and ISB numbers. It is important that copies of these reports are made available to as many people as possible. Action item: Cd’s of the reports will be made. 7. MBWG involvement in "State of the Gulf Summit" Fora Action item: Barry Jones will be contacted to advise him that we have agreed to host a small group workshop but there is a need for funding for travel, lunch, etc. Mike will write a short proposal requesting $3000 from BoFEP. Lunch 9. Review of the Action Workshop Report 10. Update on the Friends of the Avon River Shayne advised that the Wildlife Habitat Advocates and F.A.R. have formed a new group called, Avon Waterways. This is a watershed committee – the causeway is a sub-issue. A first meeting has been held and discussion issues included scope, mandate, etc. Their next meeting is scheduled to be held March 20th. 11. Next steps for MBWG 12. Other business Justin circulated an agenda for the upcoming Coastal Planning Forum to be held March 18-19th in Halfiax. Shayne is looking for good news stories about the Minas Basin. 2-3 paragraphs in length. Action item: Shayne to write, MBWG to approve. GOM Habitat Restoration meeting will be held May 12th, 13th and 14th in Sackville, NB. There will be a 1 day meeting and 1.5 day for site visits. Max noted that she has drafted a thank-you note to Jennifer Hackett as well as one to Robin. Action item: Max to prepare a thank you letter to Jennifer Hackett and Robin Musselman. Nancy will be asked to prepare these letters for signature and mail out. 13. The next meeting date for the Minas Basin Working Group is scheduled to take place on March 27th with a ‘fall- back’ date of April 15th. 14. Meeting adjourned at 3:00 pm. Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership Present: Mike Brylinsky, John Gibb, Pat Hinch, Justin Huston, Hank Kolstee, Reg Newell, Jon Percy Nancy Roscoe-Huntley, Mark TeKamp, Sherri Turner and Max WestheadRegrets: Graham Daborn, Dave Duggan, Anita Hamilton, Barry Jones, Shayne McQuaid, Glanville Travis, Peter Wells________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1. Welcome and Introductions 2. Review of agenda and additions to agenda - BoFEP AGM (who would report) - Randy Cocoran’s concern regarding mussel beds in Parrsboro - Upcoming documentary (Jon to report) 3. Review and approval of minutes from the previous meeting (April
15, 2003) 4. Status of the Integrated Fish Management Proposal 5. Status of Forum and other reports 6. State of the Gulf Summit Action item: Max to discuss planning options with Barry Jones. 7. Lunch 8. Next steps for the Minas Basin Working Group Action item: Max/Mark to contact Dalhousie University, Cities and Environment program to look into possible linkages. Action item: Pat to discuss with Peter the possibility of funding a summer student to work with this group. Sherri Turner outlined many of the Community Development programs with associated funding. It was agreed that there is a need to develop a strategy in order to make the community groups feel they have not been left out or lost. Discussion focused on the need to hire a full-time coordinator for the Minas Basin Working group. DFO has funding to assist with hiring a coordinator. The logistics of where the coordinator would work was also discussed with no decision made; however, Graham has indicated there is space at the Estuarine Centre. Reg, Sherri and Max agreed to put a formal description, for a full-time coordinator to work for the MBWG, including salary, to present to the committee. They will also search for opportunities from various agencies to match the $20,000 funding proposed by DFO for this position. Action item: Reg, Sherri and Max agreed to put a formal description, for a full-time coordinator to work for the MBWG, including salary, to present to the committee. They will also search for opportunities from various agencies to match the $20,000 funding proposed by DFO for this position. 8.a Possible linkages with SCI There was a note of caution about SCI expanding beyond two pilot areas would take a great number of hours and resources. Maxine agreed to discuss linkages to SCI with Carla Dale as well as Larry Hildebrand. As well Max agreed to circulate a document about SCI to the group. Action item: Maxine agreed to discuss linkages to SCI with Carla Dale as well as Larry Hildebrand. As well, Max agreed to circulate a document about SCI to the group. Max discussed the concerns Randy Cocoran has regarding mussel beds in the Parrsboro area. Max will schedule a meeting with Randy and will bring this issue back to the group. A number of possible contacts such as the aquaculture centre and the mussel watch group were discussed. Jon noted that he has been contacted regarding a group from Australia making a television documentary on "Giant Tides". The documentary is a comparative work that compares four sites on the planet with "Giant Tides" - Severn Estuary/River, Fundy, China, and NW Australia (Broome). Jon noted that members of this committee may be contacted.9. Next meeting date 10. Meeting adjourned at 1:30 pm. Minas Basin Working Group Attendees: Mike Brylinsky (chair), Peter Wells, Kathy Godbout, Phillip Seto, Jon Percy, John Gibb, Barry Jones, Pat Hinch (scribe), Peter Wells, Dave Duggan, Mark Tekamp Regrets: Shayne McQuaid, Reg Newell, Glanville Travis, Justin Huston, Hank Kolstee, Nancy Roscoe-Huntley, Sherri Turner, Anita Hamilton 1. Welcome and Introductions 2. Review of agenda and additions to agenda 3. Review and Approval of Minutes from the Previous Meeting Pat suggested changes to Section 8 - Next Steps for the Minas Basin Working Group, and to the action requested of her. Changes she made are hilighted in italics. Mike outlined the work of the committee in the past year, in particular, the community forums, issues that have been identified and now the work ahead to start dealing with these issues and building community involvement. Suggestions included contact with the Acadia Centre for Small Business who matches students from one of their university courses with a community group. Maxine volunteered to contact Dalhousie University to determine if they might have an available summer student. Pat reported on Peter Wells behalf that Peter also has funding for a summer student and an individual to begin to prepare background papers on the state of the Bay. Pat agreed to follow up with him to obtain further details on funding availability for these two contracts. Some of the coordinator duties would include assisting with funding opportunities, developing an action plan, and to have a local presence and ability to network in the community. There is a desire within the group to hire a full-time continuing coordinator not someone part-time or with a limited time and interest. It was agreed that a clearly defined job description should be written; clearly stating what will be required and then proceed to advertise the position. Pat suggested that the Working Group host another 1 day Leads meeting as was recommended during the Leads Workshop, to make up for the day lost during the Workshop to the snowstorm. The purpose of this day would be to complete the action plans leads initiated during the workshop, and to discuss the role the Minas Basin Working Group could play in helping community groups to carry out their action plans. It was felt that this would assist the Working Group to identify specific action items communities would be willing to work on and define a specific role for the Working Group on specific topics, would provide an opportunity to pair students with community projects, and help communities identify skills that they wish to build on, as future workshop topics. Action item: Maxine volunteered to contact Dalhousie University to determine if they might have an available summer student. Action item: Pat agreed to follow up with Peter Wells to obtain further details on funding availability for two contract positions - the summer student and an individual to prepare background papers on the state of the bay. Dave Duggan moved to approve the minutes as amended. Barry Jones seconded the motion. Meeting participants asked for a review of the status of action items from the previous meeting (April 15, 2003) -Max to bring to the next meeting a suggestion of potential candidates for a coordinator to assist with a workshop to be held in early September. Completed. -Max to contact Dalhousie University to determine the availability of a summer student. Completed. -Pat agreed to follow up with Peter Wells to obtain further details on funding availability for two contract positions - the summer student and an individual to prepare background papers on the state of the bay. (as amended in the minutes). Completed. -Reg, Sherri, and Max agreed to put a formal description, including salary together to present to the committee. Completed. -Pat, Justin, and Hank agreed to investigate possible funding contributions. Neither Justin nor Hank were not present. Pat has not had the opportunity to discuss this with her department. -Maxine agreed to arrange a presentation on the MBWG to the Sustainable Communities Initiative (SCI) to discuss linkages between the two areas/approaches. Completed. Max presented on June 19th. 4. Status of Integrated Fisheries Management Proposal 5. MBWG involvement in "State of the Gulf Summit" Fora Some felt that the efforts of a full time coordinator would be required, to run a successful coastal forum which was considered crucial to the future of the Minas Basin Working Group. It was estimated that 15-20% of time of the full time coordinator would be required for the GPAC forum. They felt that the summer student should not be involved in the GPAC forum. Three thousand dollars have been allocated from BOFEP funds for the GPAC Forum meeting for the purpose of bringing participants to the meeting. Others felt that this 3 K should be used as salary to supplement the 6K that Environment Canada had allocated to support the summer position. Questions were raised as to whether one meeting in one place would be appropriate to understand issue priorities and the state of the environment and complete the matrix. it was felt that with the appropriate people participating that one day was sufficient. There was also debate as to who should participate in the GPAC Minas Basin Forum - managers scientists, or all people who are best capable of completing the matrix. It was agreed that the forum would be open to scientists and managers and specific NGO’s who have dealt with resource issues. Participants reviewed the draft position description/contract for the summer position which included four work elements: There was much discussion about what was actually agreed/decided during the last meeting of the Minas Basin Working Group held on May 5, 2003 at ACER, concerning the role/function and duties of the summer student position and whether or not the summer student could reasonably accomplish all specified tasks within the summer term. Some felt that it was not necessary for the MBWG to hold a second 1-day leads meeting but rather that a full time coordinator or summer student of the MBWG should meet with groups on an individual basis to help them develop specific action plans (as opposed to generic plans which were developed during the Leads workshop). It was felt that we need to develop action plans around particular issues by first talking to leads who attended the leads workshop and gathering these people together for a discussion. Following this discussion, a decision could be made by the end of the summer as to whether or not a second leads workshop was necessary. Justin had indicated in a conversation with Pat that Mark TeKamp has been provided office space at NS Dept of Agriculture and Fisheries. Action/Decision item: "Organize the second Community Leads Workshop for the WG, for June or July 2003..., and "Other duties as suggested by the Chair or Co-Chair, Minas Basin WG" were removed from the position description of the summer student. The other two tasks remained on the description ie. #2 and #3. Action item: Peter asked Mark Tekamp if he would review and reword as appropriate, task #3 concerning the use of the CITIES model. Three thousand dollars are allocated for a 20 person (approx.) GPAC Minas Basin workshop. A portion of this funding is required to cover meeting costs (facilities, meals and coffee breaks, travel). It was felt that several people attending the workshop could cover their own expenses freeing up 1500 of the 3000 for the for salary of the summer student. The possibility of providing 3000 in salary for Mark and extending his term into the fall through the completion of the GPAC workshop, was also considered. However, this would mean that there was no longer funding assistance for participants to attend the workshop. It was suggested that a committee be formed to coordinate the GPAC Workshop. It was decided that Mark would assist in the upfront planning and organization of the workshop with consideration being given later of extending his contract to include his involvement with the workshop itself. Action item: Barry Jones, Mark Tekamp and Max Westhead will work on the Minas Basin Coastal Forum Committee. Action item: Mark will assist the GPAC Workshop Committee with workshop preparatory planning. 6. Coordinator position and matching funds. Max reported that no meeting of the committee to determine potential sources of matching funds has occurred as yet. An application to the Gulf of Maine Council Implementation Grant program has been submitted requesting $10K (US Funds) matching funds to salary a full time coordinator, and provide funds to travel to community group meetings. Another application will be submitted to the Climate Change program when the request for letters of interest have been distributed. Action Item: Max will call Justin concerning additional funding from Justin’s department to supplement the summer student position funding. It was suggested that the MBWG also submit an application to the Kendall Foundation. However, others indicated that this Foundation only accepts applications that have been invited to do so. Action Item: Graham will contact Ted Smith concerning an invitation to submit an application to the Kendall Foundation. Action item: The MBWG will begin the process of advertising the coordinator position as soon as possible as a 6 month full time position with the potential for contract renewal pending availability of funds. 8. Job Description for Coordinator The question was raised as to whether GPAC forum should be included under "Networking and Liaison". It was decided that the description would be generic in nature as opposed to identifying specific tasks. It was agreed that "Minimum Qualifications" should read "Preferred Qualifications" and qualifications under no. 1 should read "university degree or equivalent experience preferred". Under no. 5, wording should be changed to "Preference given to persons with a knowledge of Minas Basin issues". The starting date should be July 1 - December 31, 2003 (6 months) with the option to renew pending funding availability. It was agreed that the contract would go through Acadia in order for the contractor to realize the benefit of Acadia University services. Action item: Mike, Pat, Max, Justin will review applications for the full time 6 month coordinator position and select 2-3 individuals for interview. Barry Jones will be a stand-in for this process. Who will actually conduct the interviews, will be decided later. 9. Update on the meeting held on Monday, May 5th, 2003
at ACER (coordinator position) 10.Interactions with community groups
Action item: Graham agreed to contact the Mayor of Parrsboro about water quality issues and concerns. -Tourism Conference - Conference participants developed a vision statement for sustainable tourism, a sustainable tourism definition and has developed preliminary guidelines for sustainable tourism. They may be looking for a pilot site to map activities and create zones of allowable activity. Max will contact Terri McCulloch for more details on the Tourism Conference and offer the Minas Basin as a pilot area. Members noted that the Ecotourism Working Group is not currently active and therefore has not been resourced by BOFEP. Action item: Max will contact Terri McCulloch for more details on the search for a pilot site to map activities and create zones of allowable activity and offer the Minas Basin as a pilot area. 11. Report from Ron Loucks to make a presentation 12. Other issues 13. Next meeting 14. Adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 3:14 pm Minas Basin Working Group Meeting Minutes Present: Pat Hinch (Chair), Jon Percy, Peter Wells, Glanville Travis, Justin Huston, Mark Tekamp, Reg Newell, Lisa McCuaig, Barry Jones. Regrets: Mike Brylinsky, Anita Hamilton, Maxine Westhead, Graham Daborn, Dave Duggan, Sherri Turner, Hank Kolstee. 1. Welcome and introductions: Pat welcomed everyone, and folks introduced themselves. 2. Review of agenda and additions to agenda: The agenda was reviewed and additions made under other business. Mark’s presentation on community planning models was scratched from the agenda and moved to the next meeting. 3. Review and approval of July 17, 2003 Minutes: Minutes were approved with changes: 4. Report of the Integrated Fish Management
Proposal: Glanville reported that there will soon be new Marine Resource Centers in Metaghan, Fort Folly, and Canning. The Canning Center will be making the Upper Bay Fisheries Proposal one of its priorities. Glanville stated that First Nations and community groups have already expressed an interest in becoming involved. Responding to discussion from the last MBWG meeting regarding working group suggestions on how the Upper Bay Fisheries Proposal group should proceed or what the MBWG might do to assist the group, Justin stated that the Upper Bay group has a good handle on where to take things, and the MBWG should limit it’s involvement to a supporting role as directed by the Upper Bay group. 5. GPAC ‘State of the Minas Basin’ Forum: Mark will be sending to all forum participants another information packet including a letter that will emphasize the importance of coming prepared and "doing your homework" beforehand. Pat read the draft letter, and all approved. Discussion took place on the background materials to be sent to participants. The agenda was closely examined and discussion ensued whether to break into 5 working groups to independently assess the 5 different categories, or assess all five as one large group. Despite a long discussion and some disagreement, the group eventually decided on breaking into 5 working groups to assess the categories, reporting results back to the larger group. Note: B. Jones is not a strong supporter of this agenda. Methodology: There was long discussion about whether or not to use a numeric scale of 1-7 or 1-5. Keeping in line with other GPAC forums, matrix will use a 1 through 5 scale assigned to colors red, yellow, and green. 2 will be red/yellow, 4 will be yellow/green. Arrows will be used to express positive or negative change. There will be no averaging of numeric values. Good notes for every decision are crucial. Allison Evans will be chairing and facilitating the forum. Barry Jones will provide background on the GPAC process, and 5 speakers have been determined to give a brief overview of the 5 major categories. Small group facilitators and rapporteurs were chosen. Action: Mark will present Barry with the completed matrix and forum synthesis on Monday, December 15, 2003. 6. Report of the MBWG Coordinator: 7. Progress on funding for coordinators position: 8. Other Activities: 9. Other business: 10. Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 28, 2003. ACER 10:00am Meeting adjourned at 2:45pm ACTION ITEMS
Minas Basin Working Group Meeting Minutes Present: Mike Brylinsky (Chair), Pat Hinch, Peter Wells, Glanville Travis, Justin Huston, Reg Newell, Lisa McCuaig, Maxine Westhead, Barry Jones, Rod Bradford, Graham Daborn, Dave Duggan, Amanda Tree. Regrets: Anita Hamilton, Sherri Turner, Hank Kolstee, Peter Hicklin, Randy Milton. 1. Welcome and introductions: Mike welcomed everyone, and folks introduced themselves. 2. Review of agenda and additions to agenda: The agenda was reviewed and additions made under other business. 3. Review and approval of minutes from the previous meeting (18 Sept. 2003): Minutes were reviewed. Barry motioned to approve. Justin seconded. All approved. 4. Report of the Integrated Fish Management Proposal: 5. GPAC ‘State of the Minas Basin’ Forum: 6. Report of MBWG Coordinator: See attached summary of Lisa’s activities. The group discussed lack of First Nation participation in the MBWG. Progress on funding for coordinators position Knowledge Development Centre Proposal: Funding for Coordinator (Added): 7. Work Items for Minas Basin Working Group
(Added): 8. Other Activities Valley Watershed Stewardship Association Water Seminar: Discussed earlier in Lisa’s report. Windsor Causeway Panel Discussion: Discussed earlier in Lisa’s report. Upcoming Community Meetings: Following are the meetings that Lisa is planning on attending throughout November:
9. Presentation by Mark TeKamp on Community Planning Models: Postponed till next meeting. 10. Other business: Pat discussed the Gulf of Maine Council Awards saying that they will be held at the Lord Nelson in Halifax on Dec. 2nd and 3rd. The public forum will be on Dec. 4th and Justin will be arranging this. Please let Pat know if you plan on attending. The council will be meeting on Dec. 5th from 730 to 330 and the 2nd meeting will be in June at the Old Orchard Inn. 11. Next Meeting: Tuesday, December 9, 2003. ACER 10:00am 12. Meeting adjourned at 2:10pm. Motion to adjourn made by Justin. Seconded by Dave. All Approved. ACTION ITEMS Action (pending from last meeting): At the next meeting, Mark will present an outline of his thesis about community planning models. Action (pending from last meeting): Max to report on water quality issues in Parrsboro area. Action: At the next meeting Mark will provide a brief summary of the forum and where things stand. Action: Mark will present Barry with the completed matrix and forum synthesis on Monday, December 15, 2003. Action: Rod will send application to Mike to look over. Action: A list of funding sources for proposals to be written to, will be supplied for next meeting. (Lisa, Reg, and Peter). Action: Lisa will contact MRCs to inform them about MBWG, and will be report back at next meeting. Action: Lisa will attend the meeting in Parrsbaro organized by the ground fishermen and report back at the next meeting. BOFEP Minas Basin Working Group Meeting 1. Welcome and introductions - Mike 2. Review of agenda and additions to agenda - All 3. Review and approval of minutes from the previous meeting (4 November 2003) – All 4. Report on action items from last meeting 5. Report of the Integrated Fish Management Proposal – Glanville/Graham/Justin 6. Report of MBWG Coordinator - Lisa 7. Progress on funding for coordinator position – Mike/Lisa/Others? Lunch 8. Presentation by Mark TeKamp on Community Planning Models 9. Discussion of work plans for 2004 - All 10. Other business - All 11. Next meeting - All 12. Adjourn |
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