Minutes
Annual General Meeting
of the
Hunter-Clyde Watershed Group
The Annual General Meeting of the Hunter-Clyde Watershed Group met at the New Glasgow Fire Hall on Thursday, March 26, 2009.
Those in attendance were:
Andrew Lush, Phil Pineau, Heather Dingwell, Giena Dingwell
Jim Newson, Randy Perry, Brynley Horsefield
Kevin Arsenault, Randall Nieuwhof, Evan Gallant
Dan MacFarlane, Michael Willcock, Zoè Kunschner
The meeting opened with a short presentation on Watershed Planning Process by Kevin Arsenault, from the Province of Prince Edward Island. Watersheds are important to our rural based economy and the Island Way of Life. There are 250 watersheds in PEI.
Two thirds of our stream water originates from the ground water. A watershed group should have a mission statement and guiding principles drawn up by the members but it is very important to communicate with the residents and land owners.
After Kevin was through, the minutes of the last AGM were passed out. It was moved by Andrew and seconded by Jim the minutes be approved. Motion carried.
There was no business arising from the minutes.
The financial report was not available, but it was reported there was a balance of $3,455 in the bank account.
2008 achievements:
- There was a crew of four with a technician hired during the summer.
- Work day was held in June assisted by the Blue Heron Sea Cadets under the command of Bob Bentley. There were 250 trees planted in the village of New Glasgow.
- There were 1400 trees planted at 8 different sites including Hunter River, Campbell’s Pond and Hazel Grove. Collars were put on trees to prevent mice damage etc. These collars can be reused in other years.
- Brush mats were put in in a number of areas. Beaver dams and garbage were removed.
- There was a booth in North Rustico on Canada Day.
- Bat and swallow boxes were built and placed.
- The group participated in a nitrate clinic so future problems can be targeted. Data is shown on the web site.
- A fish farm was investigated, but it was decided it was not feasible at this time.
- Water sampling was done at Campbell’s Pond.
- An education program was started at Gulf Shore and St. Augustine’s Schools which coincided with a Walk for Water in Africa and Farmers Helping Farmers.
- On line maps showing wetlands and aerial maps will be on web site later this year.
There will be openings for the same number of applicants this year. Mike is the technician, and a biology student would be a priority for supervisor, and three other workers. The jobs would last eight weeks. The budget for the coming year is $87,000. Money comes from the Wild Life Conservation Fund, Federal Government, EDA and Watershed Management Fund.
Appointment of Officers: Every one was re-elected: President - Phil Pineau, Treasurer - Janet Lester, Secretary - Clyde View Girl Friday (Giena & Heather Dingwell). Members of the Community Councils of North Rustico, Hunter River and New Glasgow are directors at large. Zoè Kunschner was appointed Vice President. The motion to appoint these officers was made by Andrew and seconded by Mike.
Spring Work day for 2009 will be with Alanna Green, who is in charge of the Sea Cadets. This will probably be held the first weekend in June. There are about 25 sea cadets. Proposed site for planting of trees is around the ponds at the Mary Houston property in Mayfield at the intersection of Route 13 and the Line Road. There will be a mix of trees, willow and shrubs. The work will be 3-4 hours with a barbeque following. It was suggested that there might be a place in North Rustico to do some work.
More information was to be given to the Community groups about the stewardship plan. There will be a silt trap built at Hunter River and beaver dams removed and beavers trapped as well as planting more trees. There will be a booth again on Canada Day. E-mail requests for trees to determine the number needed at the booth so a free tree can be picked up that day. The educational program will continue at Gulf Shore and St. Augustine’s and possibly Central Queen’s. There is great co-operation amongst the Watershed Groups, Wheatley River, Trout River Environmental Group and Brackley/Covehead. Government is looking to give more responsibility to the Watershed Groups. Phil is involved with the Forestry program and they are looking to plant a diversity of trees in woodlots.
The Land Use Commission is now in the old Doctor’s office and there is a link to their website from the Hunter-Clyde website. Everyone is asked to let Andrew know of any concerns that could help form a submission from our group to this commission.
Discussion was held on Buffer Zones, the ALUS Program (alternate land use services) and the CABIN Program (which tests the health of the watershed by the state of the invertebrates), and Riparian Health Assessment program (for assessing the health of each stream in the watershed).
There was a suggestion to clear the alders by Donald Doiron’s, New Glasgow Mills.
The brook on the Line Road was discussed as a possible work site for 2009.
The website has been re-developed and will continue to be revamped with more links.
Meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM
Clyde View Girl Friday
Secretary.