Panel:
Q: How do we move forward to the idea of a fishermen's trust?
A: We probably need to start by generating capital.
Q: Where does that capital come from?
A: The philanthropic generosity of individuals with capital who want to see Maine's fishing heritage protected.
Maybe the capital should come from the interests that benefit from the health of the fishery; or, like the small woodlot owners who got together and created the Wood lot Land Trust [ed.: Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine], a group of fishermen could get together.
We need a leader, someone with energy who is results-oriented, like Gerry Cushman.
Q: Will the Coalition will be able to maintain the momentum it has now?
A: I think the Coalition will keep going as long as there are issues to address. There are still problems and still people interested in developing solutions. In addition, new people with an interest come along every day. The amazing part about the individuals and organizations who are part of the Coalition is that it is a wide variety of characters with a single interest.
Q: What were the number and interests of the people who attended the Workshop in Wells?
A: A few more people attended, mostly landowners.
Q: What is planned as the follow up to these three workshops? How would everyone here like to see these workshops followed up on?
A: The reason we are here tonight is because the first workshop series [in 2006] developed questions; we addressed these issues and are presenting the solutions at these workshops. After this series of workshops, we will meet to discuss questions that arose, what needs to happen to address them, and develop a plan for addressing them over the next few years with the intent to meet again.
Comment: Press release should be sent to coastal papers and MLA and Fishermen Association's Newsletter.
Comment: We need to grow the mailing list. Take all the new emails from the 60 individuals who attended these workshops.
Q: Do lobstermen receive emails from the Department of Marine Resources and does the state have a list of all the commercial fishing licenses that may have email addresses?
A: We do not get emails from the state, but the application we fill out every year asks for an email address so the DMR has our information.
Comment: It might be a good idea to compile an informational packet regarding the Current Use Taxation Program and the Working Waterfront Access Pilot Project so that individuals can bring the information to their tax assessors.
No comments:
Post a Comment