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Welcome to Downstream
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May 2013
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Salmon Falls Watershed Collaborative
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NH Coastal Adaptation Workgroup
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Think Blue Exeter!
Exeter has gone to the DUCKS! Exeter has launched a new educational outreach program about the harmful effects of stormwater pollution. Keep an eye & an ear to local TV & radio for the ducks & THINK BLUE EXETER!
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Street Team Needed!
PREP needs some street team volunteers to help us out with promotion & staffing for our upcoming events!
Could you represent PREP at the Clean Water Community Table at an event?
if you're interested in volunteering for PREP! |
 The Great Bay Dialogue has changed its name to the Great Bay Initiative to better reflect the action & effort taking place. The effort will be reinvigorated in 2013, to be linked into the updates, visit the website.
Visit the website for
more information |
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Welcome to Your Estuaries Partnership News!
We're so happy to see that Spring has finally sprung in our watershed. The grass is greening up, the trees are blooming and our cars are all yellow from pollen. Before you take to washing your car on your driveway think about using a full-service car wash that will dispose of the soapy water safely. Or alternatively wash it on your lawn and use eco-friendly soaps to prevent pollutants in the soap from running off into storm drains and ultimately into our rivers and streams. It's the little things each of us can change that make the biggest difference in keeping our rivers, lakes, marshes, Great Bay and Hampton-Seabrook estuaries clean!
This month's feature is on the efforts of Kittery, Maine and the Spruce Creek Association. Together they have worked to identify pollution sources running into their waters, monitor them and work to remove them. Their Protect Kittery Waters effort uses consistent messaging to help educate and spread the word to residents. Has your town taken on a recent effort to curb water pollution? We'd love to know about it - shoot us an email and fill us in, we love to celebrate and recognize all the good work happening all around us.
From all of us at PREP, thank you for reading and most importantly for caring,
 Jill Farrell Community Impact Program Manager
The Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership (PREP) |
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Feature Story
Kittery, Maine: A Commitment to Clean Water and Healthy Residents in the Spruce Creek Watershed
The Spruce Creek Watershed drains a large part of the town of Kittery, Maine and empties into the Piscataqua River. This estuary provides resources, recreation and well being for the residents of Kittery and they've made it a priority to protect and restore the watershed's health and integrity.
 | | A sign in front of a resident's rain garden |
The town of Kittery along with the Spruce Creek Association are kicking off the third phase of the large scale and ongoing Spruce Creek Watershed Improvement Project (SCWIP). The SCWIP is funded by the 319 Stormwater program of the Maine Dept. of Environmental Protection. Previous phases of this grant have included the installation of over 30 Best Management Practices (e.g. rain gardens, vegetated buffers, pervious pavements) at residential and commercial sites, increased public awareness of water quality issues in the Creek through over 25 public presentations on stormwater and septic systems, and development of the Protect Kittery Waters website. This third phase of the grant will continue to focus on stormwater and public outreach, but will also focus on the role of septic systems.
FB Environmental is a regional consulting firm that has been providing assistance for all three phases of this project. The Spruce Creek Association (SCA) is instrumental in engaging residents and recruiting volunteers. The town government consistently demonstrates environmental concern by making efforts like detecting pollution discharge a funding priority.
The reason the SCWIP is so successful is because it is a collaborative effort. Data collected by the technical organizations are used to inform the best use of effort and funds in the town and are translated to educate citizens and recruit volunteers on how to improve ecosystem health. The people of Kittery are invested because local ecosystem health problems are right in their backyards. Local shellfish beds have been closed for several years and that means lost local culture and economic revenue.
For the efforts of groups like FB Environmental and SCA, consistent messaging has been the key for effective engagement of residents. This has meant asking people about how they value the local landscape. For communities situated in an estuary like Kittery, common values and economic concerns are centered on a healthy ecosystem. Being able to safely swim in the water or eat the fish is a question of water quality of course, but the health of the environment also affects economics like property values.
Kittery should be commended for its ongoing commitment to keeping our watershed clean. And as this third phase of the project unfolds stay tuned for upcoming events!
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Watershed Watch
Our Watershed Watch feature is dedicated to sharing our partners' and others latest research and reports. If you have, or know of a report you would like us to feature in an upcoming issue of Downstream, please contact us and we will be happy to include it.
Getting Climate Smart: A Water Preparedness Guide for State Action
By: American Rivers & Natural Resources Defense Council
This newly released guide and report provides information for state governments, water managers and other stakeholders to use in preparing for the consequences of hotter temperatures, more variable rain and snow events and rising seas. The guide suggests that by undertaking climate preparedness planning states can better manage the impacts of climate change and protect the well-being of residents communities, the economy and natural resources.
The guide walks through 6 minimum steps for developing and implementing a state climate preparedness plan.
Check out the full Report here.
Download the Strategy Toolbox here.
Determining if Maine's Mandatory Zoning Act Standards are Effective at Protecting Aquatic Habitat
By: Vermont DEC & Maine DEP
This newly released report covers an extensive study that assessed the effectiveness of Maine and Vermont's lake buffer protection policies in actually protecting lakes, as measured through field data. It is an
impressive work and can provide lessons and models for other states looking to balance lakefront development with natural resource protection.
Of particular interest, "this study found that the conversion of treed shorelines to lawn, while seemingly harmless from the human perspective, causes significant changes to the biological and physical components of the nearshore aquatic environment."
Read the Full Report here
VIDEO: Turning Tail Trailer: The Atlantic Salmon's Great New Leap
By: Gray Ghost Productions
This trailer for a full-length movie follows the myth, the legend and the significant efforts taking place to understand and restore this North American legendary fish.
 | | Turning Tail Trailer |
There's no doubt, Atlantic salmon are in trouble, particularly in the Coast of Maine watershed and points south, like the Piscataqua Region Watershed. Where once there were thousands of fish, now there are tens. The film ventures up to Maine, follows fly fishermen on their epic quest to catch this fleeting 'leaper' and discusses the ongoing efforts to attempt to restore this fish population.
Watch the trailer & purchase the full length film here.
Want to get out and try your luck at hooking one? Check out our friends at Great Bay Trout Unlimited and connect with guides, resources and tips here.
Also, check out First Cast Fly Fishing, a non-for-profit, Donation Only fly fishing guide and lesson service out of Dover, NH
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PREP's Clean Water Champion
Cory Riley - Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
PREP's Clean Water Champion is a monthly feature that
 profiles people and partners working to make a difference around our watershed. This month we catch up with the somewhat new Manger of the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (GBNERR), Cory Riley. Cory joined GBNERR last Spring and has been quite active in the "Great Bay Scene" ever since. Cory serves on PREP's Management Committee and has been actively engaged in the Great Bay Initiative. Cory exhibits an enthusiasm and a commitment to the resources and future of our watershed that we are very lucky to have here in our region. Not one to shy away from the hard work it can sometimes be to shift perceptions and change behaviors Cory epitomizes what it takes to be a clean water champion.
PREP: How long have you been a champion for clean water?
Cory: I grew up on a drinking water reservoir, so in a sense I have been a champion for clean water since I was very young. So much of my interest in the environment and in water can be traced back to how and where I grew up. The "lake" and the trail around the lake were my playground and my classroom. I think my first tour of the treatment plant was probably when I was around eight.
PREP: How'd you get started in protecting clean water?
Cory: As an undergraduate college student at William and Mary, I was an intern for a project looking at benthic invertebrates, (little bugs in the mud), as indicators of small stream health. I loved every minute of it; tromping through the woods early in the morning, working with the basic water quality equipment, and collecting the samples. It was also a great introduction to the things that are intuitive but not always taught in class- the health of birds is related to the health of these benthic invertebrates - is connected to the health of theses streams - is connected to the way we treat the land around the stream.
PREP: What's your favorite thing to do with or on water?
Cory: It is hard to narrow down. I love to swim, bodysurf, kayak, canoe, and generally just sit and watch and listen to the ocean, a river or a lake. It calms me down, and will always be the place I go to relax.
PREP:What's been your proudest moment as a clean water champion? Cory: Being hired as the manager of the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve one year ago. I got hit by a "thunderbolt" when I was about 22 and first visited a National Estuarine Research Reserve. I thought then, and believe now, that protecting places where research and education can happen in a coordinated way to inform decisions was the coolest idea in the world. I knew then that I wanted to work at a reserve, and now I do. It is an honor every day
PREP: What's one simple thing you would tell somebody to do to protect the places around the Seacoast they love?
Cory: Donate to your local land trust or a conservation organization that purchases coastal and buffer land.
(Check out a listing of all land trusts in NH here)
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Land Protection Transaction Funds Now Available!
PREP is offering matching grants of up to $5,000 per project to assist with transaction costs for permanent land protection projects within the Piscataqua Region coastal watershed. Grants can be awarded to either qualified nonprofit tax-exempt 501(c)(3) conservation organizations or units of government.
Proposals due June 7, 2013.
The Request for Proposals instructions and application form are available HERE.
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State of Our Estuaries Resources Available!
 
How about this fantastic new poster to hang in your Town Hall or Library?
and we'll get you what you need to help spread the word! |
 The Clean Water Community Calendar
As the Community for Clean Water, one of PREP's goals is to keep you informed on the latest outings, conferences, workshops and FUN happening around our watershed so that you, your family, friends & neighbors can get involved!
Below is our run-down for May. If you have, or know of an event that you would like us to feature in an upcoming issue of Downstream, please contact us!
May 3rd-5th
The Art of Great Bay Exhibition
Fri: 6-9pm; Sat & Sun: 10-6pm
Hugh Gregg Coastal Conservation Center at the Great Bay Discovery Center, 89 Depot Rd., Greenland
The 8th annual art exhibition and sale with a them this year of "Re-Imagined Art & Fine Crafts". The show will feature pieces that utilize re-purposed materials and some 3-D quality.
Opening reception Friday night 6pm-9pm, Gallery open Sat & Sun 10am-6pm. For More info click here.
An Introduction to Rain Garden Design & Installation
8:30am - 3:30pm
Great Bay Community College, Rm. 123-124, 320 Corporate Dr., Pease Tradeport, Portsmouth, NH
This workshop will cover the benefits of rain gardens, how to complete a site analysis, design, plant selection and maintenance. Presenters will be Jillian McCarthy, NH Department of Environmental Services, Stormwater Coordinator; Dr. Cathy Neal, UNHCE Specialist, Landscape Horticulture; Julia Peterson, NH Sea Grant/UNHCE Specialist, Water Resources; Candace Dolan, Hodgson Brook Restoration Project Coordinator. The afternoon will include a visit to previously installed rain gardens and hands on practice installing a new residential rain garden.
Registration Deadline is April 29, 2013.
To Register contact Candace Dolan via email cjdolan@ccsnh.eduor Call 603-559-1529
Saturday, May 4th
WSCA Portsmouth Turnip the Beet for Sustainability: Green Living Fair & Concert
6:00pm Fair; 7:00pm Concert
Kittery Community Center, 120 Rogers Rd., Kittery, Maine
Charlie Mgee is coming all the way from Australia to the Kittery  Community Center for the WSCA Portsmouth Community Radio Green Living Fair! In collaboration with Kittery Community Center/Star Theater, Cornerstone Tree Care, and the Greater Seacoast Permaculture Group! At 6pm enjoy the Green Living fair - stop by and say 'Hi' to PREP! At 7pm special guest Andrea Szirbic and the Bearded Four will be taking the stage! If you love to dance, love the planet, and love music, come to this event!
To get a taste of this event, click here for the promo!
For more information and for tickets, please call 603-430-9722 or visit wscafm.org
Tuesday, May 7th
UNH Stormwater Center Best Management Practices Workshop
9:00am - 2:00pm
UNH Stormwater Center, Durham NH
This workshop provides a general overview of the present and future standards with respect to stormwater management. UNHSC research addresses the overall performance and effectiveness of a variety of stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) to control water quantity and treat water quality. To date the UNHSC has researched over 24 different BMPs ranging from conventional ponds to manufactured subsurface filters to broad array of Low Impact Development (or Green Infrastructure) practices.
Elected officials, appointed officials, town administrators, engineers, land planners, landscape architects, natural resource managers are STRONGLY encouraged to attend.
**PREP offers scholarships for Town Staff, Planning and Conservation Board members from our 52-town region. Please email Derek.Sowers@unh.edu for more information.**
Cost is $75 and includes lunch, transportation and all materials.
For more info & to register visit UNHSWC site, click here.
Wednesday, May 8th
Seacoast Science Cafe: How Climate Affects Shellfish & Recreation
6:00pm; Doors open at 5:00pm
The Portsmouth Brewery, Jimmy LaPanza Lounge,
56 Market St., Portsmouth, NH
The Seacoast Science Café provides a unique opportunity for researchers to talk with Seacoast residents about the science that directly impacts our lives. The casual environment encourages people to join the conversation, even if they don't know much about the topic right away. Everyone is welcome, and no tickets or reservations are necessary. So grab a pint, a bite & join in the discussion.
For more info visit EPSCoR's site
Thursday, May 9th
Nitrogen in Stormwater Workshop
9:00am-3:30pm
NH DES Office, 222 International Dr., Portsmouth
The first ever Northeastern stormwater BMP nitrogen workshop. This workshop will deliver the most up-to-date research-based information on nonpoint source pollutant loads and appropriate stormwater treatment.
16th Annual Cocheco River Sweep Canoe Trip & River Clean Up
9:00am
Launch from the Farmington, NH Wellsite
Join the Farmington Conservation Commission, the Cocheco River
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Click on flyer for more info
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Watershed Coalition, UNH Cooperative Extension, Strafford County Commissioners and the NH DES for a canoe paddle trip fromFarmington to Rochester. Along way John Nolan will give some history, Emma Carcagno will talk about local wildlife and there'll be trash pick up along the way.
Pre-registration is required. Please call 749-4445 or 516-8113 or email lorie.chase@unh.edu to sign up before noon on May 10
Searching for Maine's Amphibians
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Douglas Memorial Woods, Intersection of Old Rd. w/ Rte 103, Eliot
The wetlands of Douglas Memorial Woods are prime habitat for amphibians. Try out the Audubon App for amphibians and see what we find. Bog bridging means you don't necessarily have to get your feet yet.
Jennifer Fox will lead. For all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. No dogs, please. Preregistration required.
This is a Gateway to Maine: Outside program and is free to partner land trust members. A donation of $5 or $10/family is suggested for non-members.
Call Great Works Regional Land Trust to Register at 207-646-3604
Thursday, May 16th
Great Bay Nitrogen Non-Point Source Study Release & Worshop
10:00am - 12:00pm
NH DES offices, 222 International Dr., Portsmouth
Come learn about the newly released Great Bay Nitrogen Non-Point Source Study from NH DES. This study looked at the sources of nitrogen loading into the Great Bay Estuary that are not from wastewater treatment plants or other point sources. These non-point sources include animal waste, fertilizer, atmospheric deposition and septic systems. Come with questions. No registration required.
Saturday, May 18th
For the Birds!
8:30am - Bird Walk; 9:30am - Grasslands Birds Demo
York Land Trust's Highland Farm Preserve, 321 Route 91, York, ME
Join the York Land Trust and focus your binos in the company of expert birders from York County Audubon Society for a guided bird walk at the Highland Farm Preserve, and learn about grassland birds from Center for Wildlife.
Registration size limited to 25 registrants. Free admission for Land Trust members. Non-members are asked to consider a $5.00 per person donation, or $10 per family donation. Reservations required. To reserve your spot click here. Monday, May 20th
Gundalow & NH Surfrider Discussion & Film Event
Gundalow Company Offices, 60 Marcy St., Portsmouth, NH
Join the Gundalow Company and the NH Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation for a screening of the film "Bag It" discussing the issue facing our environment due to the prevalence of single-use plastic. The NH Surfrider folks will discuss their "Rise About Plastics" campaign and invite discussion on the topic prior to the film.
There is no charge for the workshop for the event it is a part of the Gundalow's "Contemporary Coastal Issues" series.
*Sails aboard the Gundalow Piscataqua start back up Memorial Day Weekend, May 25th! Book your Sail today!*
Saturday, May 25th
NH Surfrider Beach Clean-Up
7:00am
The Wall (12th St.) at Pioneers Board Shop, 62 Lafayette Rd., N. Hampton, NH
STATE OF OUR ESTUARIES ROLL OUT EVENTS:
If your club, organization, neighborhood or group would like to host a State of Our Estuaries Roll Out Event in 2013, please e-mail us and we'll be in touch to organize a date!
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CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!
Great Opportunities to be a part of the
Community for Clean Water!
Coastal Research Volunteers
The goal of the Coastal Research Volunteer (CRV) Program is to engage volunteers in enhancing and expanding locally relevant research and participating in meaningful science and stewardship opportunities. The program provides an interface where interested volunteers are matched with researchers to work on a variety of funded projects in the New Hampshire Seacoast and surrounding watersheds.
The Gundalow Company
Gundalows were once the primary mode of transporting cargo to tidewater towns; now the
Piscataqua is used as a unique platform for maritime heritage and environmental education in the tidal region. Schools, community groups and summer campers are welcome aboard for special sails, and public sails are offered from Memorial Day through the fall. All sail programs are designed to heighten awareness of the Piscataqua Region's maritime heritage, contemporary water quality issues, and stewardship responsibilities.
Volunteer Training Session for Onboard Educators - May 7th, 10:00am - 12:00pm,
60 Marcy, St. Portsmouth
Does your organization have a volunteer opportunity you'd like promoted?
Email Jill Farrell and we'll include it in our next newsletter
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Water Wise: May Trivia Question
Surprisingly, no one got last month's trivia question so we're going to repeat it this month!
According to the EPA what is the #1 pollutant to our nation's waterways?
The first person who submits the correct answer here will win a pair of
(Old Brown Dog Beer not included, sorry!)
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www.FiddleheadFarms.com
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Get $5.00 Off Your Next Purchase of $25.00 or More!
| Offer good one per customer and can not be combined with any other offer.
Valid through 4/30/2012 Promo Code: PREP3
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