Q: Looking at it from the point-of-view of someone who works with towns in Downeast Maine, when someone comes to me and asks about these type of problems, I steer them to Community Development Block Grant. If I were to make one recommendation to the WWC, it would be a State Block Grant-type program, which are a bit more open, easier, and streamlined. In addition, we need a streamlined process for clamming right-of-ways, which are not given the same value as piers, etc.
Q: The State has agencies that are involved in different capacities, is there an agency that could do more for this program, or do we have all we need?
Jim Connors says that the work that gets accomplished is being done by people who are doing their normal work. We aren't having people do new things or different things. We couldn't take on any type of commitment to new groups or hires. This really is a coalition of people pulling together (without tax money!) and getting things done.
Rita asks whether the coalition just works it out with each other. Jim replies that, yes, this is mostly just an effort among concerned parties.
Q: Are there local parcels that could potentially qualify for Working Waterfront in Ellsworth?
Possibly. Where the local lobstermen sell their lobsters is a portion of land, which is on the saltwater part of the river, is a possibility. It may meet the 50% use requirement. Make them aware of this program as it may work. Kristen follows up that those who may not qualify for WW may qualify for other open space programs.
Q: Is there any formula for a town to use to figure out the tax shift that municipalities will bear?
It can be done! It's all relative, however. When some revenues go down, another town's revenues may go down as well. There are lots of other factors involved, and they may not be factors that are easily seen. When you try to delve any deeper than a decreased valuation, it starts getting really complex. Jeff does have an Excel sheet that may help but, again, many of the benefits that towns will potentially gain are not readily apparent.
Ted talks about the CDBG. Let's have communities think about adding to the CDBG.
Q: The riverfront bond application was used by a couple of towns, which allowed a match of federal and state dollars. That flexibility was helpful.
Q: Where did the "work with state land trust" provision come from?
This is not a normal area for conservation-centric land trust organization to work with. These are working waterfronts, not natural areas. The problem is that there aren't very many trust groups that deal with working areas. Working farms, possibly, but there need to be more non-profit groups who can work with private landowners to protect working access.
Q: The possibility of adding recreational access to existing land trust groups has been met with a good response. Some education is needed at the land trust board level to show how recreation can fit in with their current missions.
Agreed. Jim thinks that many land trust boards are getting the message that recreation and other uses, especially clamming, are important and not at odds with the function of the trust. He'd still like to see some clamming access proposals come forward, and they can be handled easily.
Q: With the Pilot Program, DMR is supposed to manage annually. Are there staffing additions?
No. DMR hasn't hit a year with any covenants, so it hasn't yet been a problem. It takes two steps: a form to be filled out and a yearly site visit.
Q: Would it be you, Gillian, inspecting coast-wide?
Yes, as of now there is only one, or two, people who could possibly be able to go on inspections. There was no provision for additional staff. The long-term outlook is that there will not be any staff added in the future.
Q: Are all the unique interests or issues of the attendees met?
One attendee came because she wanted to follow up on her last meeting, in 2004. She is blown away by how much has been accomplished by the WWC.
Another gentlemen has been involved with the waterfront for his entire life, and what the WWC is doing here is commendable. It's hard to convince someone from one side of the street in Machias that he should give land or at least think about giving consideration to someone from the other side so he can fish. People don't realize how much the fishing industry has given the state of Maine over the years. They've been pushed off as second-class citizens, and Augusta has treated them that way.
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