After a delayed start we expect the project to be in full swing by spring this year. Bob Van Riper,IFW, has applied for a grant from Maine Outdoor Heritage Trust to match the $8,000 that is committed to the project to date. The committment includes the $3,000 pledged by the George's River Chapter. Matt Bernier of Klienschmidt Engineering in currently working on a similar project and will have plans done for Jam Black by May. Dan Daly, our project leader will have the contractor in place by mid July to do the work, and we will be looking for TU Chapter volunteers at that time as well

The EPA has published a very informative training module on watershed managelment on the Internet. Its well worth a look: www.epa.gov/watertrain/

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has just put out this release:

Advice To Anglers Regarding Felt Soles on Wading Boots And Preventing The Spread of Disease And Invasive Species

Research responding to concerns regarding the spread of diseases and invasive species has shown that felts on the bottom of wading shoes and boots are major culprits in the transfer of such problems. Research by Gates (2007) concluded that felt material retained 100% of whirling disease spores in material testing; and in 2006, participants of a special American Fisheries Society meeting on the invasive algae Didymosphenia agreed that "felt-soled waders are one of the highest risk vectors in the spread of 'didymo' on a global scale."

In light of these findings, Maryland Department of Natural Resources strongly urges anglers to eliminate the use of felt-soled boots and waders. For some areas, traditional rubber boots, or those with studded bottoms may provide as much traction as felts. For challenging areas, manufacturers are now offering 'sticky-soled' alternatives, with traction treads like those found on all weather tires. These sticky-soled rubber boots provide good traction, are non-absorptive and easy to clean. Guides and anglers have reported that the studded versions of these boots work as well as felts. They may take a little getting used to, but they don't absorb water, are more lightweight and may, ultimately, make walking easier. These new boot materials effectively reduce the chance of spreading disease and invasive organisms. By removing dirt and debris from these new types of footwear with a scrub brush, you can effectively prevent transmission of these agents from one area to another. Please consider helping Maryland DNR protect the resources of the State by trying out alternatives to felt bottom waders.

Literature Cited

Gates, K.K. 2007. Myxospore Detection in Soil and Angler Movement in Southwest Montana: Implications for Whirling Disease Transport. Montana State University Master's Thesis

Western Division American Fisheries Society. 2006. Special Session on Didymosphenia geminata

Theo Willis and Erin Spencer  concluded their fish census on the St. George river on June 25. The final numbers were: 7332 alewives,10 white perch, 2 suckers, 1 sm mouthbass, 3 snapping turtles - and...a total of 185 volunteer hours! Great work everyone! The census will be restarted next spring with a lot more experience.

Maine has a thorough manual covering all phases of culvert design that will not adversely affect fish and aquatic creatures in our streams. It isan 87 page document which is attached here. Maine Culvert Policy Manual

The Chapter has been monitoring conditions on the St. George River for three years and the first two years' data have now been compiled. The data includes pH, water and air temperatures, disolved oxygen, river flow, and conductivity for a number of points on the river. Data is available from our Webmaster in an Excell spreadsheet for those wishing to do analysis of the information.

Clic to see ;pictures of the removal of the Senebec dam on the St. George river in 2002