Atlantic Salmon conservation fund overview 2007

A program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Coastal Program and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation in collaboration with NOAA Fisheries Service, the Maine Department of Marine Resources and other conservation partners. inside The Maine Atlantic Salmon Conservation “We simply cannot have salmon without Fund supports efforts to recover wild Atlantic salmon by ensuring healthy watersheds and healthy rivers. But it’s not just the salmon restoring other sea-run fish with which they are closely linked. This report summarizes that need healthy rivers. We do too.” MASCF’s accomplishments to date and highlights the work of organizations that are – Jim Lichatowich, making a difference today and for the future. Salmon Without Rivers

The Maine Atlantic Salmon Conservation background, providing technical support Fund is committed to creating healthy rivers. and critical funding that enables local Contents From providing tools to help communities conservation groups, private landowners, 3 MASCF Funding Supports tackle difficult resource issues, to funding and agencies to implement projects that Barrier Assessment and Removal Initiatives habitat protection and restoration projects, benefit salmon and other migratory fish like 5 Cove Brook Watershed Council MASCF is making a visible difference. This alewife, American shad, and American eel. Initiative Strengthens Community Approach overview profiles just a few of the 120-plus The long-term solutions we facilitate today 6 Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association projects MASCF has supported since are critical to maintaining the healthy Acquires Key Parcel October, 2000. These projects, indicative watersheds necessary for their very survival. of the breadth of MASCF’s involvement, 7 Project Provides Thanks to funding provided by Maine’s demonstrate how the fund is: Protection and Access congressional delegation, the program is now in its seventh year. In this very short 8 2006 Projects • Building momentum for identifying time, MASCF has helped protect over 81,000 10 Past Projects and removing barriers that block access to historic habitat acres of riparian habitat, opened up many 12 About MASCF miles of historic habitat where migration • Assisting land trusts with engaging had been blocked and supported a growing individual landowners public awareness of the issues facing salmon. This long-term commitment is critical to • Fostering communication and ensuring that both we and salmon have coordination with local communities healthy rivers in our futures. • Supporting a large scale effort to conserve habitat on the Machias River Sincerely,

Atlantic salmon recovery is complex. There Jed Wright, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is no one answer, no silver bullet and no quick Gulf of Maine Coastal Program fix. However, we do know that in order to Lynn Dwyer, National Fish and set the stage for recovery, communities and Wildlife Foundation landowners in salmon watersheds have to be engaged. MASCF operates quietly in the Since its inception, MASCF has supported more than 120 projects and permanently protected more than 81,000 acres of riparian habitat critical to long-term survival of Atlantic salmon. MASCF Projects to Date

Pre-2006 Projects 2006 Projects

The following conservation partners play a vital role in implementing MASCF funded projects:

ABG Consulting Kleinschmidt Energy and NOAA-Fisheries Services Atlantic Salmon Federation Water Resource Consultants Parish Geomorphic, Inc. College Land for Maine’s Future Board Restoration Trust BSA Environmental Consulting Machias River Watershed Council Pleasant River Watershed Council Coastal Mountains Land Trust Maine Aquaculture Association Plymouth State University Concepts of Place, Inc. Maine Atlantic Salmon Commission Project SHARE Cove Brook Watershed Council Maine Council of the Atlantic Salmon Federation Quoddy Regional Land Trust Dartmouth College Maine Department of Conservation Salmon Club Watershed Council Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Watershed Council Downeast Resource Conservation Maine Department of Transportation Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association and Development Council Maine Department of Marine Resources The Nature Conservancy Downeast Rivers Land Trust Maine Department of Environmental Protection Time and Tide RC&D Downeast Salmon Federation Maine Forest Service Town of Cherryfield Ducktrap Coalition Maine School Administrative District 64 Trout Unlimited Watershed Council MariCal, Inc. U.S. Forest Service Forest Society of Maine Watershed Council International Paper, Inc. National Academy of Sciences Washington County Soil and Kennebec County Soil Natural Resources Council of Maine Water Conservation District 2 and Water Conservation District New England Forestry Foundation, Inc. Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine MASCF Funding Supports Critical Barrier Assessment catches on the Kennebec (400,000 blueback and Removal Initiatives herring in 1880), the (2,472,000 alewives in 1896). In addition, River connectivity has been identified as a in the mid- to late 1800s, the rainbow smelt critical issue for Atlantic salmon recovery. fishery was the second most important fishery Salmon depend on unobstructed access to in the Penobscot River.1 inland freshwater rivers and streams for spawning and juvenile rearing habitat, as Precipitous Population Decline well as a refuge for adults. Many diadromous fishes in Maine are at The scientific community suggests that or near historic lows and some, including removing barriers may offer a direct lifeline salmon, are currently listed or being for Atlantic salmon, as well as to other considered for listing under the Endangered co-evolved diadromous fishes (including Species Act. Other species, while not listed American eel, alewives, blueback herring, as endangered or threatened, are well below American shad, rainbow smelt, striped bass, historic levels. The cumulative effect is the Sea-run brook trout, and sea lamprey) that near elimination of species that likely provided were historically abundant and able to travel several important benefits to the Atlantic inland on the same rivers and streams. These salmon population in Maine. Improperly installed culverts are often significant fish likely provided important benefits to impediments to fish passage. the Atlantic salmon population including The study by Saunders and his team finds becoming alternate prey for predators, a it likely that the sheer numbers of alewives, food source for juvenile and adult salmon, blueback herring, American shad, American The use of CMPs and slip liners is nutrient cycling that ensured healthy river eel, rainbow smelt and sea lamprey that widespread throughout North America, conditions and habitat conditioning. shared waterways with Atlantic salmon primarily because they are less expensive to provided an important (and alternative) install than bridges. A recent study by the A recently published study co-authored food source for double-crested cormorants, U.S. General Accounting Office notes that by Rory Saunders and Michael A. Hachey river otters, mergansers, great blue heron, on Bureau of Land Management and U.S. of NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service mink and ospreys. Forest Service lands in Oregon and and the late Clem W. Fay, a fisheries manager Washington over 10,000 CMPs exist on of the Penobscot Nation, Department of In addition, juvenile alewives and other fish bearing streams. Assessments on Forest Natural Resources proposes that, “restoring small diadromous fish are a significant food Service lands in these two states found that the co-evolved suite of diadromous fishes resource for Atlantic salmon in most of their 80% of the CMPs are barriers to salmon that sustain [the above] functions may be life stages. For example, studies have shown migration. Closer to home, an inventory required for successful recovery of the last that rainbow smelt are important forage for conducted in the Ashuelot River watershed native Atlantic salmon populations in the Atlantic salmon kelts shortly after ice out. in New Hampshire found that 82% of road United States.” Broad declines in rainbow smelt populations crossings and dams were barriers to fish may partially account for the decline in passage. In Maine, where road crossings repeat spawners in Maine Rivers. Historical Abundance on diadromous fish streams are numerous, it is not hard to imagine that a similar Before the construction of dams in the The Impact of Dams and Culverts scenario is occurring. 1800s and construction of extensive road networks over the last century, migrations The impact of dams and culverts on the of salmon and other diadromous fish migration of Atlantic salmon and other extended to the headwaters of Maine’s diadromous fish is extreme. While dam continued on page 4… coastal watersheds except in cases where removals (and to a less successful extent large natural waterfalls halted their progress. fish ladders) have been used to improve Historical records boast of prodigious catches river connectivity for salmon and other of alewives, blueback herring and American diadromous fish, studying the impact of shad. Before the construction of dams on corrugated metal pipes (CMPs) and slip the Penobscot in the 1830s, the combined liners has only recently been the focus of total annual catch for Atlantic salmon, concern. Improperly installed culverts and American shad and river herring was the use of slip liners are often significant estimated at over 3 million fish. There are impediments to fish passage. similar indications of historically abundant 3 MASCF is funding surveys of over 1,000 culverts and other barriers in the Lower Penobscot River watershed.

Improperly installed culverts and the use federal agencies and non-governmental of slip liners are often an impediment to fish organizations, are currently surveying passage. Canada’s Department of Fisheries approximately 1,000 culverts at road-stream and Oceans advises that the best way to crossings and small and remnant dams in maintain the natural bottom substrate and the watershed. hydraulic capacity of waterways is to avoid Maine Forest Service forest technicians CMPs and slip liners altogether and to install have been diligently at work this summer open bottom arch culverts instead. However, collecting this data with guidance and if CMPs are to be used, they should be assistance from the USFWS Gulf of Maine countersunk so that 20-40% of the culvert Coastal Program. Coastal Program staff is below the existing stream bed. This allows and associated contractors have developed the bottom structure to provide oxygen and statewide barrier inventory protocols that are cover for migrating fish. using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Of major concern is the effect that CMPs to prioritize barriers for removal. In many cases, even crossings that were once effective are now barriers because of stream and slip liners have on small brooks and “We are very pleased to partner with this erosion or mechanical breakdown. streams that are critical to the rearing of effort that recognizes these diadromous fish juvenile salmon. Juveniles often travel to improve fish passage. It will also help to are indeed forest dwelling species,” says upstream and downstream of spawning direct private, state or federal funding towards Chris Martin, Water Resource Forester for habitat, presumably to avoid predation by high priority crossings so that they meet the Department of Conservation’s Maine larger fish and to take advantage of richer current standards for effective fish passage, Forest Service. “Aquatic life thrives in healthy feeding opportunities. This means that the or make modifications to allow fish to pass watersheds where forest cover predominates. impact of culverts is truly widespread. dams that otherwise act as barriers. Road stream crossing inventories and The good news is that a number of studies assessments fit our core mission of encouraging The Penobscot River Barrier Assessment have shown that salmon parr will colonize landowners and municipalities to practice and Restoration Initiative is part of a larger streams very quickly after a poorly installed responsible land management including statewide effort to inventory and remove culvert is removed or replaced to allow forest access road design and construction.” barriers to diadromous fish such as Atlantic upstream access. salmon, alewives, American shad, American The lower Penobscot River is home to eel, and other species that may be critical to The Maine Atlantic Salmon Conservation twelve diadromous fish species, as well as the survival of the Atlantic salmon. For Fund is supporting efforts to assess and numerous resident freshwater species. In example, in downeast Maine, the fund is prioritize sites to improve fish passage on addition to surveying stream road crossings, supporting groups like Project SHARE to our streams and rivers. In the lower the project is also inventorying many replace or remove culverts that are barriers. Penobscot River watershed, volunteers and small dams. Crews are also conducting “These efforts are starting with the low professionals, in partnership with state and comprehensive surveys in three small hanging fruit, and MASCF is also helping drainages within the project area to develop us to develop a strategic approach to a more complete understanding of passage improving fish passage.With limited resources, problems. Collecting this information this strategic approach is critical,” says will help towns and state agencies most Pat Keliher, Director, Bureau of Sea-Run effectively prioritize and replace structures Fisheries & Habitat, Maine Department of Marine Resources. The Maine Atlantic Salmon Conservation Fund is pleased to support these vital efforts that may lead to the species’ ultimate survival.

1 “Maine’s Diadromous Fish Community: Past, Present and Implications for Atlantic Salmon Recovery”, Fisheries, Vol 31 No. 11, 4 Illustration: Joe Tomelleri November, 2006. 5 Funding from MASCF has given momentum to the Lower Penobscot Watershed Coalition, ensuring that public and private funds are spent most effectively to protect and improve conditions in the watershed.

outreach and education Cove Brook Watershed Council Initiative Strengthens Community Approach

The Cove Brook Watershed Council has that federal and private funds are used most In just the first year and developed a strategic plan and employed effectively in protecting and improving a full-time coordinator thanks to funding the watershed’s tributaries, streams and a half, the organization, received from the Maine Atlantic Salmon surroundings. largely through the efforts Conservation Fund. “The paid coordinator position has made of the paid coordinator, During the creation of their strategic plan, it possible to bring organizations, individuals the organization identified an opportunity and municipalities together, most effectively”, has formed a coalition to expand their role to include coordinating says Gayle B. Zydlewski, President of of towns, cities and efforts in the lower Penobscot River watershed, the Cove Brook Watershed Council, and home to twelve diadromous fish species, as Coordinator of the Lower Penobscot organizations dedicated well as numerous freshwater species. Watershed Coalition. “The ability to travel to improving the water to small municipalities and meet with In just the first year and a half, the town officials has made a huge difference, quality of the watershed. organization, largely through the efforts particularly since many of them don’t have of the paid coordinator, has formed a the budget or time allocated to travel to coalition of towns, cities and organizations meetings. Their involvement in protecting dedicated to promoting a regional perspective the watershed is largely due to the fact that for stewardship in the lower Penobscot we have a paid coordinator position, and River watershed. we couldn’t have done it without funding So far, the Lower Penobscot Watershed from MASCF.” Coalition has held meetings in Bangor, Orono and Stockton Springs and more have been scheduled. These meetings have galvanized support for the protection of the watershed, allowed groups to coordinate efforts to reduce redundancy and ensure 4 5 outreach & education Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association Acquires Key Parcel

A rare opportunity to protect both sides of a stream of critical importance to Atlantic salmon has come to fruition with the purchase of a 40-acre parcel by the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association. The acquisition, the third in three years by the SVCA, ensures that the former Tornell Farm, which abuts Trout Brook on both shores, will continue to provide a protective conservation buffer. The purchase was the culmination of many years of informal discussions between the SVCA and the landowner, who sold the The purchase of 40-acres abutting both sides of Trout Brook, a stream with high quality property at the below market value to ensure salmon habitat located in Head Tide, Maine, was made possible with funding from MASCF. that it would retain it’s rural character for walking and other low impact activities. The SVCA plans to protect habitat and establish walking trails for recreational access. The Tornell Property acquisition is the latest in a series of notable accomplishments “These purchases could by the SVCA. In 2005, the organization only have happened with bought an 18-acre parcel of property with 2300' of frontage on the Sheepscot. In 2006, the help of MASCF… SVCA was able to secure the first Tornell this federal funding not parcel, 68-acres with 5000' of frontage on Trout Brook. In 2006, the other side of the only made an immediate brook became a protected area when the impact, in terms of organization purchased a 40-acre parcel, also with 5000' frontage. securing the Tornell “These purchases could only have properties as they became happened with the help of MASCF”, says available, but gave our Maureen Hoffman, Executive Director of the SVCA. “This federal funding made an organization the visibility immediate impact, in terms of securing the and strength to attract Tornell properties as they became available, and gave our organization the visibility and local donors.” strength to attract local donors.”

Maureen Hoffman In the past five years, theSVCA has protected 15 projects with over 700 acres Executive Director of the SVCA and seven miles of riverfront on the river with support from MASCF.

6 7 habitat protection in upper portions of the watershed. The Since its inception, Machias River Project easement protects riparian habitat along MASCF has supported Provides Protection and Access more than 42 stream miles in 16 tributary streams that drain into Fifth, Fourth, Third, more than 120 projects and Second Machias Lakes or flow directly The Machias River Project continues to enjoy and permanently protected into the mainstem of the Machias River. success as a landscape-scale project that more than 81,000 acres protects habitat for the Atlantic salmon, The Wabassus Lake portion of the thanks to the efforts of local and national project includes over 9 miles of undeveloped of riparian habitat critical conservation organizations and with lakeshore on Wabassus Lake and the Getchell to long-term survival of substantial financial support fromMASCF . Pugs, and 3 miles of streams in the St. Croix River watershed. Development of these lands Atlantic salmon. MASCF When this historic project is completed or degradation of riparian buffers along these later in 2007, 66,024 acres will be protected has provided more than shorelines could significantly degrade habitat by conservation purchases and conservation and water quality. $11.6 million in federal easements, including 312 miles of lake, river and stream shoreline. The project connects The Machias River Project Phase III funds and leveraged an with other state and private conservation completes a major collaborative conservation additional $14.7 million lands, creating a total protected landscape effort between the state of Maine and many of 452,200 acres. These ecologically and conservation organizations. Phase III for conservation activities economically significant lands and waters protects gaps remaining between the existing promoting Atlantic are protected through ecological reserves, conservation lands and secures a contiguous stream and lakeside buffers and sustainably expanse of 452,200 acres in Maine that salmon recovery. managed forestlands. They will remain open connects with another 840,418 acres of to public access for such uses as hunting, managed Crown Lands in Canada. fishing, snowmobiling, paddling and hiking. This historic agreement will protect The Machias River watershed is home to wildlife, and ensure access for popular numerous species, including the federally listed recreational uses of these lands. The Machias endangered Atlantic salmon. With hundreds River Project Phase III will add permanent Lower Penobscot Forest and Sunkhaze of miles of tributaries, the watershed provides public access to almost 34,000 acres, including Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, a diversity of fish habitats, ranging from slow a popular hiking trail on Washington Bald protecting a forested landscape that warm-water reaches to confined, cold-water Mountain, and undeveloped lakeshores on stretches from the Bangor-Brewer-Orono streams with riffles and pools. Wabassus Lake and the Getchell Pugs. It will population center over 100 miles east into guarantee hunting, trapping, and fishing To support salmon, water must be clean New Brunswick. opportunities and safeguard an existing and cold. Intact forest cover is essential to snowmobile trail. The easements created in In 2006, the Maine Atlantic Salmon protecting water quality. The many streams the development of the Machias River Plan Conservation Fund awarded $100,000 to that drain from forestlands and enter the will ensure that these pristine forestlands are the third phase of the Machias River Project Machias River and its headwater lakes benefit open to the public forever. By adding 33,812 to help ensure that this historic partnership from the innovative riparian protection acres of working forest in conservation between private conservation organizations, guidelines originally developed a decade ago easements, the project lands create a vast community groups, private industry and by Champion Paper Co. and endorsed and landscape of protected working forests in state and federal agencies is successful. followed by subsequent owners. Maine. Maintaining a sustainable flow of “From its inception, the Machias River The Machias River Project Phases I and II forest products will contribute to the project has been a shared vision between strengthened the existing land practices by economic stability of the local, regional local residents, industry, government and permanently establishing 1000-foot buffers and national economy. private partners,” said Michael Tetreault, on the Machias River and the lakes that feed There is significant interest in ensuring executive director of the The Nature it. The Maine Atlantic Salmon Conservation that the Machias River Project’s landscape Conservancy in Maine. “This collaborative Fund provided more than $1.2 million to scale vision continues. The landowner of the effort is successfully protecting the ecological, these two initial phases of the project. Washington Bald tract has indicated a recreational and economic value of an The Machias River Project Phase III: willingness to consider a much larger outstanding river system and its watershed. Washington Bald Mountain and Wabassus easement sale on unfragmented backcountry The significant support fromNFWF and Lake Project, also supported by MASCF, lands, linking the already extensive Downeast Maine Atlantic Salmon Conversation Fund will increase the permanent forest protection region conservation lands directly to the has been essential to our success.” 6 7 2006 Projects

Cherryfield Site Sedgeunkedunk Stream Habitat Restoration and Restoration Sunrise Fish Habitat Enhancement Downeast NPS Restoration County Economic Council Aquatic Science Associates, Maine Washington County Soil & Washington County, Maine Award: $21,500 Water Conservation District, Maine Award: $5000 Proposed Matching Funds: $22,000 Award: $142,700 $ Proposed Matching Funds: $142,700 Proposed Matching Funds: 65,400 Objective: Objective: Provide project management services facilitating Objective: Eliminate contaminated soils, hazardous building the planning and development of fish passage for Continued technical and capacity support for on materials, and an illegal overboard discharge the Meadow Dam on Sedgeunkedunk Stream. the ground Atlantic salmon habitat restoration from a commercial property located immediately The project will identify a solution that addresses activities to provide technical assistance to Project adjacent to the Narraguagus River to significantly fish and wildlife habitat needs, public and SHARE, Washington County Soil & Water reduce or eliminate the leaching of gasoline and private property interests, local recreation needs, Conservation District, watershed councils, diesel components into the water. and other local stakeholder interest in portions landowners and other conservation groups that is of the watershed under the influence of the specifically focused on improvements to Atlantic Meadow Dam. salmon habitat in the five Downeast DPS rivers. Greenland Conservation Agreement Project SHARE Atlantic Salmon Increasing Awareness of Cove Atlantic Salmon Federation DPS Watershed Connectivity Brook and the Importance of Award: $75,000 Proposed Matching Funds: $270,000 Restoration— the Lower Penobscot River in Outreach, Management and Salmon Restoration Activities Objective: Technical Support Cove Brook Watershed Council, Maine Fulfill the th5 and final year of a Conservation Project SHARE, Maine Award: $25,000 Agreement with Greenland to help limit impacts $ Proposed Matching Funds: $54,500 on for wild Atlantic salmon. The Agreement will Award: 59,300 $ identify and promote alternative sustainable Proposed Matching Funds: 59,300 Objective: fisheries and economic development programs Objective: Increase awareness of Cove Brook and its for Greenland fishermen in order to increase To restore watershed process, connectivity associated ecosystem while enhancing the the number of Atlantic salmon returning to and fish passage in sub-watershed priority visibility of the Council. The coalition will North America in future years. focus areas in the Downeast Atlantic Salmon work closely with the Maine Atlantic Salmon DPS Rivers. Funding will be used to support Commission (MASC) and other partners to continued landowner outreach, site plan restore and protect the Lower Penobscot’s Downeast Maine Watersheds development, project management and post historic population of Atlantic salmon, and Community Outreach II construction monitoring. act as a guardian of overall watershed health. Washington County Soil & Water Conservation District, Maine Award: $75,000 Sheepscot River Watershed Old Stream Guidance for Proposed Matching Funds: $111,900 Council Public Outreach NPWS Restoration Projects in Priority Subwatershed Objective: Sheepscot River Watershed Council, Maine $ in Downeast Maine To continue to expand upon successful outreach Award: 25,000 $ programs and activities that focus on increasing Proposed Matching Funds: 43,000 PARISH Geomorphic, Maine $ watershed stewardship and community support Total Grant: 69,000 Award: $31,300 $ for ongoing Atlantic salmon recovery efforts in Objective: Proposed Matching Funds: 30,040 the fiveDPS watersheds in coastal Washington Provide support for the Sheepscot River Objective: County, Maine. Watershed Council (SRWC) to better fulfill its Produce a guidance document that can be used mission, including protection and restoration to help prioritize and evaluate NPS, stream of endangered Maine Atlantic salmon habitat restoration and land protection projects in the including expanding stakeholder participation uppermost watershed of the federally listed and coordinate conservation efforts of key Atlantic salmon (Salmo slar) rivers in Downeast agencies and NGO’s that rely on SRWC assistance. Maine. Capitalize on an ongoing and unique private landowner initiative occurring in collaboration with Project SHARE to remove or improve approximately 90% of the stream crossings in the upper watershed of the Old Stream, a major tributary to the Machias River system.

8 9 Ducktrap Coalition Evaluation of the Maine Coordination and Riparian Atlantic Salmon Water Quality Land Conservation and Monitoring Planning Initiative Rehabilitation BSA Environmental Consulting, Maine Coastal Mountains Land Trust, Maine Award: $3,000 Award: $18,680 Proposed Matching Funds: $5,000 $ Proposed Matching Funds: 27,410 Objective: Objective: The Maine Atlantic Salmon Rivers Water Quality Coordinate the conservation programs of the Monitoring Planning Initiative has produced three Ducktrap Coalition and the watershed council plans for the coordinated and organized review for the Watershed, with a of WQ data and development of recommendations focus on three core activities: education and for future monitoring (Sheepscot, 2004-05, outreach to land owners of the watershed, Narraguagus 2006, and Pleasant 2006-07). municipalities and the general public; riparian The success of these plans depends on continued land conservation; and ecological rehabilitation review, evaluation, updating, and implementation. of degraded riparian habitats. Therefore, BSA Environmental Consulting, in cooperation with government agencies and conservation organizations, will conduct a Atlantic review, evaluation, and updating of the existing Salmon Enhancement plans and each agency’s WQM program starting in September 2007. Atlantic Salmon for Northern Maine Award: $27,300 $ Proposed Matching Funds: 56,500 Atlantic Salmon Passage MASCF funding supports Objective: Assessment and Prioritization Develop and implement a captive reared Program historic partnerships broodstock program for Atlantic salmon Maine Forest Service, Department of Conservation between private conservation enhancement and research purposes in the Award: $64,000 Aroostook River, Maine. The Canadian Proposed Matching Funds: $33,000 organizations, community Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) will be contracted to rear captive broodstock Objective: groups, private industry to produce salmon eggs which will be imported, Thousands of barriers across Maine block passage incubated, and hatched by the Atlantic Salmon to upstream Atlantic salmon habitat and restrict and state and federal for Northern Maine (ASNM) at their privately downstream flows of sediment and large woody owned and operated fish hatchery in Sheridan, debris. This project will identify and prioritize agencies. Maine. The fry will be stocked into the fish passage barriers in Penobscot River sub Aroostook River immediately post hatch watersheds. In addition, the project will provide under the direction of the Maine Atlantic training to local municipalities and state agencies Salmon Commission (MASC), who will also on techniques to improve passage at these sites. Atlantic Salmon Habitat evaluate post stocking fry performance. Restoration Prioritization Project Machias River Project Phase III Atlantic Salmon Federation SVCA Salmon Habitat Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands Award: $100,000 Protection and Water Quality Award: $100,000 Proposed Matching Funds: $20,000 Monitoring Programs Proposed Matching Funds: $250,000 Objective: Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association, Maine Objective: This project is developing tools to examine the Award: $172,000 This 27,164 acre working forest easement will impact of specific restoration actions on Atlantic Proposed Matching Funds: $208,500 build directly upon the success of Phases I and II salmon populations. These tools will provide Objective: and on other significant federal, state and private a mechanism to review and prioritize recovery Provide the acquisition costs associated with conservation investments in Downeast Maine. By activities throughout the DPS by answering the the purchase and protection of three important bringing cumulative protection to more than 80 following important questions: properties fronting salmon habitat, and provide percent of the upper Machias watershed, Phase III anchors over 440,000 acres of conservation • What restoration actions are necessary a portion of the 2007 salary and transaction to restore habitat availability, quality, land encompassing important Atlantic salmon costs associated with the protection of these and and diversity? other ongoing salmon habitat protection projects. habitat. The broad partnership supporting this Provide for the 13th year, the collection of data project through phase I, II, and III has won two • Which restored habitats will most improve biological populations, communities, or on water quality indicators important to salmon federal awards, the Wings Across the Americas ecosystems? and to inform salmon habitat protection and Award (Forest Service 2006) and the National Wetland Group Award (USFWS 2004). 8 restoration throughout the watershed. 9 2005 PROJECTS 2004 PROJECTS

Agriculture Aquaculture Sustainable Agriculture Water Management II Salmon Conservation Education Program

Assessment Assessment Sheepscot River Watershed Assessing Large Woody Debris for Salmon Kris Development III Sheepscot River Crooked River Water Quality Mitigation Thermal Imaging Survey Migration Study of Penobscot Salmon Smolts Midcoast Maine Conservation Tools Assessment Narraguagus Water Quality Monitoring Plan Salmon Habitat Sediment Transport Analysis Road Salting Impacts on Atlantic Salmon Pleasant River Water Quality Monitoring Plan Sheepscot Water Quality Monitoring Plan II Migration Study of Penobscot Salmon Smolts II Systematic Chemistry Survey of Salmon Rivers Pushaw Lake Northern Pike Assessment Capacity Building Education and Outreach Machias/East Machias Rivers Coordinator III North American Salmonid Exchange II Sheepscot Salmon Habitat Protection Program II Atlantic Salmon Planning and Outreach II Sustainability Workshop for MASCF Partners Community Salmon Recovery Capacity Building Downeast Maine Watersheds Education and Outreach Community Outreach Atlantic Salmon Education Initiative IV Sheepscot River Watershed Outreach Ducktrap Coalition Outreach and Coordination Ducktrap Coalition Outreach and Coordination II Kenduskeag Salmon Recovery Cove Brook Watershed Outreach and Education Restoration Outreach North American Salmonid Exchange Habitat Protection Sheepscot River Watershed KRIS Development II Sheepscot Salmon Habitat Protection Program III MASCF funding supports Downeast Maine Salmon Habitat Protection Planning Habitat Protection outreach programs and Atlantic Salmon Conservation Initiative III Habitat Restoration Atlantic Salmon Lands Stewardship activities that focus on Penobscot River Fish Passage Restoration Atlantic Salmon Lands Protection III Downeast Maine Riparian Buffer Revegetation Downeast Lakes Acquisition increasing stewardship Maine Fish Passage Cost-Share Program Drucker Property Acquisition and community support Salmon Habitat Restoration Technical Support Machias River Acquisition II Plains Lot Acquisition for ongoing Atlantic Other salmon recovery efforts. Aroostock River Atlantic Salmon Broodstock Program Habitat Restoration Greenland Conservation Agreement II Penobscot River Agreement

10 11 2003 PROJECTS 2002 PROJECTS 2001 PROJECTS

Assessment Assessment Agriculture Demonstration Project for Use of SuperSmolt Sheepscot River Water Quality Monitoring Plan Sustainable Agriculture Water Management in Maine Fluvial Habitat Assessment of the Kennebec River Wyman Water Use Plan and Dissemination Improving Road Maintenance to Benefit Salmon Capacity Building Sheepscot River Comprehensive Plan Dennys River Watershed Capacity Building Aquaculture West Branch Sheepscot Geomorphic Assessment Downeast Salmon Federation Capacity Expansion Aquaculture Containment Verification System Ducktrap River Protection and Stewardship Capacity Building Machias/East Machias Rivers Coordinator Assessment Atlantic Salmon Planning and Outreach Maine Atlantic Salmon Habitat Mapping Atlantic Salmon Status and Future Analysis Machias/East Machias Rivers Coordinator II Narraguagus River Watershed Capacity Building Habitat Mapping Projects Narraguagus River Watershed Coordinator Pleasant River Watershed Capacity Building Saco River Salmon Club Fisheries Restoration Project Needs Analysis for Sustainable Watershed Councils Sheepscot River Stewardship Pleasant River Watershed Coordinator Education and Outreach Education and Outreach Atlantic Salmon Education Expansion in Maine Education and Outreach Atlantic Salmon Education Expansion in Maine-II SVCA Habitat Workshop Atlantic Salmon Education Initiative III Downeast River Newsletter Sheepscot River Watershed KRIS Development Palermo Salmon Reserve Outdoor Classroom Habitat Protection Watershed: A Book on the Sheepscot Watershed Sheepscot Watershed Book Beaverdam Stream Parcel Habitat Protection Project Watershed Habitat Features Assessment Dennys River Corridor Project Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Habitat Protection Dixon Parcel Habitat Protection Project Atlantic Salmon Lands Protection Drisko Parcel Habitat Protection Project Habitat Protection Cove Brook Acquisition Dunton Parcel Habitat Protection Project Atlantic Salmon Conservation Initiative II Dennys River Preston Property Acquisition East Ridge Habitat Protection Project Atlantic Salmon Lands Protection II East Shore-Palermo Salmon Reserve Happy Farm Habitat Protection Project Gardner Easement Acquisition Gilman Dam Acquisition LTA Assessment Project Great Falls Acquisition Lamont Property Acquisition Pottle Parcel Habitat Protection Project Lawrence Parcel Acquisition Machias River Conservation Easements QRLT Robinson Habitat Protection Project Machias Wigwams Acquisition Pleasant River Howe Conservation Easements Quoddy II Habitat Protection Project Sheepscot Salmon Habitat Protection Program Saco Falls Pleasant River Conservation Sheepscot Biddle Parcel Habitat Protection Project /Haynes Acquisition Sheepscot River Palermo Salmon Reserve Sheepscot Habitat Protection Specialist Stewardship Development Sheepscot Barth Parcel Habitat Protection Project Habitat Restoration Sinclair Barrens Habitat Protection Project Downeast NPS Site Stabilization Habitat Restoration Tierney Parcel Habitat Protection Project Restoration Dearborn Brook Restoration Dennys River Watershed Restoration Habitat Restoration Other Machias River Non-Point Source Database Coopers Mills Dam Fire Control and Fishway Project Greenland Conservation Agreement Machias River Watershed Restoration Ducktrap Rt. 52 Habitat Protection Project Sennebec Dam Removal Munson Rips Bridge Project Narraguagus Salt and Sand Abatement Project Sennebec Dam Removal Project West Winterport Fish Passage Project 10 Regional Hydraulic Geometry Curve 11 About the Maine Atlantic Salmon Conservation Fund

Since its inception in October 2000, the Maine Atlantic Salmon Conservation Fund (MASCF) has supported over 120 Atlantic salmon recovery projects that protect over 81,000 acres of riparian habitat and restore access to many miles of historic salmon habitat. The program’s efforts include in-stream and riverine restoration, habitat protection, watershed management and organizational capacity building, water quality enhancement and monitoring, projects that remove direct threats to wild salmon and their habitat, and applied research to enhance salmon conservation efforts. MASCF also assists agriculture and aquaculture industries to develop practices that minimize impacts to wild salmon. While the program has leveraged over $14.7 million in private funding for salmon conservation efforts, MASCF provides more than financial support for implementing conservation projects. MASCF is a vehicle for building partnerships and stimulating salmon recovery throughout Maine. Grants made through MASCF have helped promote collaboration among federal and state agencies, industry, private landowners, local watershed councils, academics, and conservation groups. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Gulf of Maine Coastal Program administer the program in partnership with the Atlantic Salmon Federation, NOAA Fisheries Service, the Maine Department of Marine Resources, the Maine State Planning Office—Land for Maine’s Future Program, the University of Maine at Machias, the Wild Blueberry Commission, and local conservation groups. In FY07, as a result of the federal appropriations process, MASCF funding is being managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Gulf of Maine Coastal Program.

For more information about MASCF, visit: http://www.fws.gov/northeast/gulfofmaine/grants/mascf.htm