Host: Prince Edward Island Preserve Company, New Glasgow, PEI

1. Opening Remarks by Bob Bentley, Past President

Attendance sheet passed to record names and contact information for those in attendance. Attendance 30-35(+/-)

2. Minutes from last meeting are posted on website. Minutes not read.

Moved by Jim Newson, seconded by Jim Hancock, that the minutes be accepted. Accepted by all present with no exceptions or deletions

3. Presentation by Shelley Cole, Watershed Co-ordinator, PEI Government

"Watershed Planning for PEI"

Began with a description of a watershed, and the need to deal with sedimentation, anoxic events, increased nitrite levels and pesticide runoff. These are all symptoms of watershed problems. Watershed management is required to reverse the downward trend in water quality. Management principle depends on local objectives and action. Participation by broad-based community representation represents the best possible scenario for establishing watershed stewardship plan. Government will help through limited funding and facilitating community based initiative.

4. Presentation by Terry Perry, Trout River Environmental Committee

"Stewardship Plan"

Trout River Group began in 1993. It has been collecting various pieces of the puzzle and the opinions held by many people from all sectors living in their watershed. Their stewardship approach has been to reach the best possible decisions for the whole community, embracing all representation in the watershed and making efforts to connect with the past and future. Terry recommended that yearly projects be ongoing while stewardship planning and data collection is developing. Responding to questions Terry spoke of the co-operation with the PEI DPW in placing and maintaining culverts to address clay road runoff. Government appears to be ready to accept community-based organisations opinions at the planning table.

5. Discussion: Future of Hunter-Clyde Watershed (HCW) Group.

General opinions and questions posed from many in attendance.

Items: employ someone to create an 'as is' document to assess the state of the H.C.W.

Web site promotion & resource to tell us where we have been and where we're going.

Perceived bottle neck at the "new bridge".

Robinson Island Causeway Update requested.

Suggested that high profile projects be considered. Suggestions Marsh Project at Gulf Shore School, estuary repair and renovation at New Glasgow bridge.

6. Financial Statement

Financial statement circulated and read by Janet Lester. Suggestions from Treasurer include updating our contact list and that we improve our membership dues collection. Moved by Gay Hancock and seconded by Mike Gauthier that the Financial Statement be accepted. Accepted by all present with no exceptions or deletions.

7.Election of Officers for 2005

President - Andrew Lush

Treasurer / Funding Coordinator - Janet Lester

Secretary - Bill Sonier

Membership Secretary - Mona Clay

Vice President - Brian Craig

Directors at Large: Steve Howatt

Luke Stern

Randall Nieuwhof

Mike Gauthier

8. New Business.

It was moved and seconded, and accepted by the general assembly that the Blue Heron Cadets receive $150 towards the cost of a shooting jacket. The Cadets have provided many hours of volunteer assistance in planting trees and helping with the HCW tree nursery. This has been part of the Cadet's environmental Stewardship Education.

It was accepted that the HCW treasurer would call Frank Doiron and ask him about reimbursable costs for his delivery of mulch to the tree nursery. The HCW President will write a note thanking Frank for his valuable contribution.

It was noted that there is a meeting at the Hunter River Lions Hall on Jan. 24 to discuss the new forestry planning strategy proposed by the PEI government. Representations by groups or individuals are encouraged. The HCWG is encouraged to be present. See the website for details.

Next meeting: Wednesday 9^th February 2005 at 8pm at the Fire Hall in New Glasgow. Please bring a friend.

Secretary: Bill Hamon