B-52 Bomber Ejection Seat

AUGUSTA,Maine– A Maine Forest Service forest ranger out hunting last fall came across a strange object he found right in the middle of an old, overgrown logging road on Elephant Mountain. That object has been identified as an ejection seat from the infamous B-52 Stratofortress-C crash that killed seven airmen almost 50 years ago north of Greenville.

Maine Forest Service District Ranger Bruce Reed, who found the ejection seat, will lead a recovery team on Thursday to retrieve the seat from Elephant Mountain southwest of the crash site and take it to a local snowmobile clubhouse.

The ejection seat from the B-52 most likely is the seat that saved the life of either the jet’s pilot or its navigator, according to officials.

“The seat was lying upside down in the middle of that road,” Reed recalled about finding the object. “I had a pretty good idea of what it was, and it was kind of eerie finding something like this in the middle of the wilderness, knowing what happened almost 50 years ago.”

B-52 Stratofortress-C

Reed returned to the logging road this past Saturday, once again found the ejection seat, marked the GPS location, took photos, and took down all identification numbers. He confirmed the information with Pete Pratt of the Moosehead Rider’s Snowmobile Club, which has spearheaded the creation of a permanent memorial for the crash remains.

Later this week, Reed will lead a four-person carry operation with MFS forest rangers using a cargo net to bring the seat down the mountain.

The ejection seat has held up “remarkably well for being there for 49 years,” the MFS forest ranger said. There is some damage to the top part of the seat around the head rest, he said.

“Once we get it off the mountain and in the presence of those who know its true history, it will generate significant interest,” Reed said.

The crash took place Thursday, Jan. 24, 1963, as the B-52 Stratofortress-C was practicing routine low-level navigation, part of its training to avoid Soviet radar technology, in bitter winter weather.

The huge, unarmed jet left Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts and was carrying nine crew members. The jet was traveling at about 500 feet about the ground when it encountered turbulence, and pilot Lt. Col. Dante E. Buli tried to climb to avoid it.

A loud noise like an explosion was heard, and the jet went into a 40-degreee right turn, its nose pointing down. Buli tried to level the plane, but when he couldn’t, he ordered the crew to eject.

Three crew members, including Buli, the navigator, Capt. Gerald J. Adler, and the co-pilot, Maj. Robert J. Morrison, had time to eject.  Six crew members were killed in the crash; Morrison was killed when his parachute hit a tree.

Numerous rescuers went to the scene and saved the two survivors, Buli and Adler, who had endured serious injuries and frigid temperatures reaching minus 28 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the night. The crash later was found to be caused by a structural problem.

The crash site since has been turned into a memorial, and it is undergoing improvements for the anticipated 50th anniversary of the accident. A salvaged jet engine and one ejection seat can be viewed at the Moosehead Rider’s Snowmobile Clubhouse. The tail section of the jet, which fell off the aircraft before it crashed, still can be seen at the mountain site.

For more information about the crash, go to: http://www.moosehead.net/history/B-f2.html

For more information about the MFS Forest Rangers, go to: http://www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/ffchome.htm

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Maine International Trade Day, northern New England’s largest annual internationally focused business event. Speakers will include Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner George Gervais; leader of Innovation Management at Embraer S.A., Dr. Sandro Valeri and faculty associate at Harvard’s Center for International Development, Dr. Cesar Hidalgo.

WHERE:

The Samoset Resort 220 Warrenton Street Rockport, ME

WHEN:

Thursday, May 24th from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

WHY:

More than 250 attendees from diverse industries, backgrounds and professions will hear why Innovation is the key to global success. It’s been a decade of growth for the international trade sector in Maine, nearly doubling its exports since 2000. Last year Maine exported nearly $3.5 billion, yet competition in the global market is fiercer than ever.

Directions:

From the South: Follow Interstate 95 North to Exit 44, Interstate 295. Follow 295 to exit 28, Brunswick. Follow Coastal Route 1 North through Rockland. Turn right off of Route 1 onto Waldo Avenue. The Samoset Resort entrance is 1/2 mile on the right.

From the North: Follow Route 1A South to Route 1 South. Follow Route 1 South through Camden. Turn left onto Warrenton Street just past the Glen Cove Rest Area. Follow Warrenton Street for one mile. The Samoset Resort is on the left.

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Based on the recommendations of a bi-partisan, independent study committee, the legislation replaces the Land Use Regulation Commission (LURC) with a new land-use board and refocuses its mission on both conservation and economic development. The new agency, which is a division under the Maine Department of Conservation, also focuses on local input and improved permitting processes.

“We have found common ground,” said Gov. Paul LePage, in signing L.D. 1798 into law. “We have retained planning and permitting in theUnorganizedTerritories, yet we also have replaced reactive rezoning with forward-looking planning.

“Best of all, this is a bi-partisan outcome that should stand the test of time,” the Governor said.

“The signing of L.D. 1798 provides a great opportunity to set aside old battles that often pitted landowners against those who see the Great Maine Woods as a public good,” Conservation Commissioner Bill Beardsley said. “L.D. 1798 is a major step toward a shared vision of ruralMaine.”

“We are ready to implement this important directive from the Maine Legislature,” said Samantha Horn Olsen, LURC acting director. “As we move forward, we will be mindful that success can only happen with the involvement of individuals and organizations in the areas that the Commission serves.”

The Maine Land Use Regulation Commission (LURC) was created by the Maine Legislature in 1971 to serve as the planning, zoning and permitting authority for areas that do not have the capacity to administer land use controls, known as the Unorganized Territories (UT). The Commission was charged with comprehensive planning, zoning and issuing permits for most development activities, including business and wind-power projects.

Governor LePage, Maine Senate President Kevin Raye, and Maine House Speaker Robert Nutting last year appointed a 13-member commission to study reforms to the agency. The commission last fall presented a unified report with reform recommendations that resulted in legislation.

As a result, L.D. 1798 establishes a new land use board, the Maine Land Use Planning Commission, with nine members, rather than the current seven, nominated by both the Governor and the eight counties with the most unorganized areas. The Commission members serve for four years.

The purpose and scope of the new Commission is expanded to include “the well-planned and well-managed multiple use, including conservation, of land and resources and to encourage and facilitate regional economic vitality.”

Other directives include:

• To hold Commission meetings in a location within the Commission’s jurisdiction, with project-review meetings to be held as close as possible to the project site;
• To move land-use staff out ofAugustainto field offices closer to the Commission’s jurisdiction;
• To reform the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) for the UT. to reflect the new legislation;
• To identify areas of the UT that display significant potential for economic investment and job creation;
• To provide an annual report to the legislative oversight committee.

Grid-scale wind projects in the UT now will be reviewed and permitted by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. Regulation of forestry activities in the UT will be handled by the Maine Forest Service.

In addition, one environmental specialist will be transferred from LURC to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Commissioner Beardsley outlined several steps already being taken to initiate reform. Some LURC staff offices have been moved closer to the UT; State Planning Office planners have been moved to offices adjacent to MDOC planners: and the department is in conversation with numerous UT landowners and residents, counties and other organizations.

“Our goal is to engage these individuals and organizations that have their feet on the ground,” the commissioner stressed, “then build a comprehensive land use plan and develop prospective zoning and permitting processes that reflect the aspirations of the UT.”

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Accomplishments outlined in free booklet available to the public

On Friday, May 18th, Governor Paul LePage released today a comprehensive book of accomplishments of his first 500 days in office. The Governor’s 500^th day as Maine’s Chief Executive is Saturday, May 19, 2012. The 20-page compilation, titled Making Maine Prosperous, The First 500 Days of Governor Paul LePage, details the achievements made by the LePage Administration and the State of Maine 125^th Legislature. A web version of the book is free to the public and available on the Governor’s website.

During the past 500 days, Governor LePage has proved he is able to keep campaign promises and improve Maine’s economy. From January 2011 to March 2012, Maine’s private sector grew by 4,100 jobs, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. The growth may be contributed to a number of initiatives, which are outlined in the book, including tax incentives which encourage job creators to invest in Maine and regulatory reform aimed to streamline the licensing and permitting process.

The state’s unemployment rate has also declined since January 2011, from nearly 8 percent to 7.2 percent. During the past seventeen months, the LePage Administration has focused on developing job skills and training for Mainers searching for work. Under the Governor’s leadership, the Maine Jobs Council, now referred to as the State Workforce Investment Board (SWIB), has been revamped to better address workforce development programs.

“Two of my greatest priorities as Governor relate directly to Maine’s workforce,” Governor LePage said. “We need to ensure students have the skills they need to be productive workers when they graduate, and we must get targeted training to people in the workforce today so that they can be competitive and successful in the job market.”

The needs of Maine Veterans are being addressed within the Administration as well. Legislation was enacted to ensure that Veterans are given full credit for relevant military training and experience when they apply for an occupational license from the Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation. Steps have already been taken to implement the intent of LD 1850, “An Act To Assist Maine’s Current and Former Members of the United States Armed Forces”, by making sure the expertise of Maine veterans is recognized and valued when they apply for a license.

Making Maine Prosperous, The First 500 Days of Governor Paul LePage also highlights other reforms led and/or supported by the Governor including changes made in the areas of

• Welfare
• Education
• Energy
• Domestic Violence
• Public Safety
• Regulatory/Red Tape
• Environmental Protection/Natural Resources
• Pension Debt
• Health Care

A free copy of the book, Making Maine Prosperous, The First 500 Days of Governor Paul LePage, is available on the Office of the Governor website. The published version of the book is available at the Office of the Governor.

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NEXT ELECTION DATE:   June 12, 2012

Maine residents may register to vote anytime, including the day of the election.  You must be 18 years of age and a resident of the City of Gardiner.  Proof of residency and proof of identity is required, such as a driver’s license indicating a physical street address in Gardiner (not a post office box or mailing address).

***Any 17 year old that will be 18 before the November election may vote in the June Primary.

If you are in a party but are considering changing your party enrollment for the June 12 primary, the last day to make changes is May 28.   City Hall is closed on Memorial Day so May 25 will be the last day for changes in Gardiner.

If you are currently not enrolled in a party, you may declare a party up to and including June 12.

The last day to register to vote by mail is May 23.   However, the Registrar of Voters is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 4:30.

We have four voting districts, however, all voting is held at one consolidated voting place

Gardiner Area Boy’s & Girls Club
14 Pray Street
Polls open 8:00 a.m. – 8 p.m.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS

Absentee ballots are available at City Hall or applications are available online or by calling 582-4460.   In addition to normal business hours, the Clerk’s Office will also be open for absentee voting and registration the following:

Sample Ballots for June 2012 Election

MSAD11 will hold a Budget Validation meeting on May 29, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at the High School.    The budget that is determined at the meeting will be voted by District Referendum on June 12.   Absentee ballots will be available on May 30 for the MSAD11 Referendum

Bipartisan Majority Rejects the Costly, Extreme, and Risky Proposal

Among its actions this week, the Legislature defeated a controversial “regulatory takings” bill that would have cost Maine taxpayers millions of dollars, caused a proliferation of lawsuits, and blocked future laws that may be necessary to protect Maine’s environment, people, and communities. This action came when the House and Senate voted to “indefinitely postpone” LD 1810—which means the bill is now officially dead.

“This risky, costly, and radical proposal would have undermined the laws that protect Maine’s environment and communities,” said NRCM Advocacy Director Pete Didisheim. “Despite a massive effort by lobbyists to force this dangerous bill through the legislature, a bipartisan majority held firm and refused to support it.  Common sense won the day over ideology.”

The original bill would have allowed property owners to receive payments from the State Treasury to compensate them for claimed losses in property values resulting from future land use regulations.  Property owners would be allowed to ignore Maine law if theState did not make the compensation payments.

Such proposals have been broadly defeated nationwide based on concerns about their high costs and negative consequences, and previous takings bills have been rejected by the Maine Legislature at least five times since 1995.

In March, a majority of the Judiciary Committee rejected LD 1810, and proposed a complete substitute that would avoid the litigation, costs, and harm to the environment that would have resulted from the bill. But supporters of the original bill worked relentlessly to keep their proposal alive. These efforts peaked during the week of April 9, when the Majority Report from the Judiciary Committee was blocked in the House, and the Minority Report was voted on instead, passing by a one-vote margin.  (See http://www.downeast.com/georges-outdoor-news/2012/april/knight-beating-takings)

Lobbyists then attempted for several days to force the bill forward in the Senate, but they faced a bipartisan block of 20 Senators—including Republican Senators Tom Saviello, Roger Katz, Chris Rector, and Earl McCormick—who were firmly opposed to the Minority Report.  The Senate adjourned at 2:30 a.m. on April 14 without taking a vote on LD 1810, leaving it to be considered when they reconvened May 15. When the bill finally was scheduled for consideration in the Senate, it was clear that supporters of the Minority Report had failed to recruit any additional support, so they offered a motion to “indefinitely postpone” the bill—and the House followed suit.

“We greatly appreciate the strong leadership provided by both Republicans and Democrats who saw the takings bill for what it was—a thinly veiled attempt to prevent the Legislature from passing laws in the future that will be needed to protect our communities, wildlife habitat, and the character of Maine,” said Maine Audubon’s Staff Attorney Jenn Burns Gray.

The Majority Report proposal from the Judiciary Committee was drafted by Rep. Brad Moulton (R-York) and Rep. Charles Priest (D-Brunswick), with input from Sen. Tom Saviello (R-Franklin), Rep. Bob Duchesne (D-Hudson) and other lawmakers.  This proposal would have created a Regulatory Fairness Committee to evaluate the impact of regulations on property owners and initiate legislative solutions.  The motions to indefinitely postpone the bill had the result of blocking adoption of the Majority Report.

“The takings bill finally hit the brick wall of reality,” said Sean Mahoney, Maine Director of the Conservation Law Foundation. “The Minority Report was so complex, convoluted, costly, and extreme that it would have been a disaster if passed into law.  We’re very pleased that a majority of Maine legislators understood this and voted to kill the bill.”

Maine taxpayers would have had to pay millions of dollars over time to fund implementation of the Minority Report.  The fiscal note over the first three years alone was pegged at $1.28 million, and this estimate did not include any of the funds that would be needed to pay possible compensation payments of up to $400,000 per case.

In the very few states in the U.S. that have adopted legislation anything like the Minority Report, studies have revealed that corporate interests, large-scale developers, and attorneys have been the primary beneficiaries. Former State Senator Peter Mills made this point to legislators this year, saying “The primary impact—and its intended impact—is to stymie regulation for the benefit of large landowners with ample resources to paralyze state agencies.  That is, in fact, how takings laws have been used in the few states that have enacted them.  It’s not a statute for the little guy.”

“The Minority Report would have created multiple paths for developers to receive waivers from Maine law, allowing them to build developments that otherwise would be illegal,” said Didisheim.  “Such waivers would have caused an unraveling of the laws that protect Maine’s environment and triggered lawsuits by people who suddenly learned that a massive development, waste dump, or energy project was landing next door to them because the developer had received a waiver from the law.”

“The Minority Report posed a major threat to Maine’s environmental safeguards,” said Maine Conservation Voters Executive Director Maureen Drouin. “That’s why defeating the bill was a top priority for people and organizations throughout Maine who love our clean air, clean water, and healthy communities.” The Maine Clammers Association, Congress of Lakes Association, Maine Municipal Association, and all of Maine’s major conservation and environmental organizations opposed the Minority Report for LD 1810.

Passage of takings bills like LD 1810 has been a high priority for the ultra-right-wing American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), which has promoted model legislation to state legislatures since the early 1990s.

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That’s because the latest publication is the French version of the Maine Forest Service’s notable logging manual, “Best Management Practices for Forestry: Protecting Maine’s Water Quality.”

Responding to requests from loggers, land managers and timber companies around the state, the Maine Forest Service (MFS) published the new version just this month and already is getting a positive response from the forest-products industry, according to MFS officials.

“Over the past year alone, we have had at least three requests from landowners working with French-speaking loggers for a French book,” said Keith Kanoti, MFS water resources forester. “French-speaking loggers were a set of clientele we weren’t able to serve with our BMP manual until we got this done.”

The federal Clean Water Act came about in 1972 to regulate the discharge of pollutants into water bodies in the U.S. Silviculture activities, such as timber harvests, are exempted from getting required permits from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency if “Best Management Practices (BMPs)” are used, Kanoti explained.

BMPs are voluntary logging techniques designed to protect water quality on timber harvests developed through practical experience and research. Not only does their use protectMaine’s water quality, they are cost effective and inexpensive to use, particularly in comparison to the cost of pollution clean-up, according to the MFS.

“BMPs are a toolbox of practices people can use to protect water quality when harvesting timber and with all related activities, such as road construction, stream-crossing construction, etc.,” Kanoti said.

The state agency first developed a brochure on BMPs in 1992, which was replaced in 2004 with a new, comprehensive manual, Kanoti said. That edition, published in English, had two printings of several thousand each, he said.

“We’ve distributed at least 10,000 copies to loggers, foresters and landowners over the years,” Kanoti said, adding that the publication and the specific information about BMPs also has been picked and used by otherNew Englandstates and Canadian provinces.

The new French version is intended not only for French-speaking Canadian loggers who come intoMaine, but particularly for those woods-industry workers inMainewho have French as their first language, Kanoti said.

The 2010 U.S. Census lists 7.1 percent of the state’s population as speaking a language other than English at home, and 25 percent list their ancestry as French or French-Canadian. The largest number of French-speakers by county is found inAroostookCountyat 22.4 percent andAndroscogginCountyat 14.3 percent.

“There probably are not as many French-speaking loggers as there used to be, but there is enough of a French-speaking workforce that it seemed worthwhile to produce manual,” Kanoti said.

New Brunswickprovince has a bilingual version of a BMP manual, whileQuebecprovince has a completely French version, Kanoti said. “They’re different from ours, and we’ve pointed people to them in the past, but we really wanted our own version in French,” he said.

The new French version took about two months to prepare. Translation was done by a state contract vendor, Kanoti said. “Then we had it reviewed by a French-speaking industry forester to make sure it made sense,” he said.

Some 200 copies have been published, and the manual also can be found on line in a .PDF format. The French manual is being used by the forest-products industry, in logger education, and as a reference tool, Kanoti said. It also has been offered to other states, such asNew Hampshire, which took and republished the English version, the MFS forester said.

“I don’t think it’s on the best-seller list, but people have been requesting it,” Kanoti said.

Individual copies of the manual are free, or can be downloaded from this link: http://www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/pubs/pdf/bmp_manual/bmp_manual_french_final.pdf

Copies bought in bulk are $5 each. To order, contact: Jen Wright, MaineForestService, at (207) 287-4980.

For more information, contact Keith Kanoti, Maine Forest Service water resources forester, at: 1-800-367-0223 (in-state only) or 207-287-1073 email: keith.kanoti@maine.gov

For more information about the Maine Forest Service, go to: http://www.maineforestservice.org

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Reveals True Intentions to Bring Tar Sands Oil Toward Maine

Last night Canadian pipeline giant Enbridge announced plans for a massive increase in pipeline capacity to bring dirty tar sands oil from Canada to global markets via the United States. One of the biggest components of the plan is to reverse the flow of its entire crude oil pipeline between Ontario and Montreal, for the purpose of transporting tar sands crude oil east. This would be the full build-out of Enbridge’s portion of the so-called “Trailbreaker” pipeline project in development for several years. This announcement could bring tar sands oil nearly to New England. The rest of the original Trailbreaker plan would bring tar sands oil by also reversing the flow of an existing pipeline from Montreal to Portland, Maine.

“This announcement reveals Enbridge’s true intentions to bring tar sands oil to our region,” said Dylan Voorhees, Clean Energy Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. “This is exactly why NRCM and others have been raising concerns since last August about dirty and dangerous tar sands coming our way. This announcement brings one of the world’s dirtiest fuels one step closer to Maine.”

In August 2011, Enbridge filed for fast-track approval of “Phase I” of this pipeline reversal. That fast-track request was rejected after NRCM and other groups opposed it, arguing that Enbridge was purposefully breaking a large pipeline project into smaller phases to attempt to hide their intentions. After months of preparation, the National Energy Board of Canada is scheduled to hold hearings next week in Ontario about the “Phase I” reversal. Given the new announcement of further expansion, it is unclear what will happen with these proceedings limited to “Phase I.”

“This announcement seems to prove that Enbridge was pursuing a deliberate strategy by Enbridge to avoid complete environmental review and public scrutiny for the full project,” said Voorhees. “Enbridge repeatedly said that it is no longer pursuing Trailbreaker, but their intentions are now obvious—the only thing that has changed is the name. Even now the public doesn’t have an honest picture from Enbridge and the Portland-Montreal Pipeline Company about the plan to bring tar sands oil from Ontario to Portland for export to global markets. This entire scheme deserves full scrutiny from environmental regulators and from the public.”

In April, 41,000 citizens from the U.S. and Canada, including several thousand from Maine, wrote comments to the Canadian Energy Board opposing “Phase I” of the Trailbreaker project and requesting a broader environmental review.

“This announcement is a massive proposal to bring huge amounts of one of world’s dirtiest fuels out of Canada to North America,” Voorhees said. “Not only does it have huge implications for U.S. energy policy and efforts to curb global warming, but tar sands could threaten Maine’s environment directly.” The oil pipeline from Montreal to Portland passes right alongside Sebago Lake, the drinking water supply to the entire Portland area. Tar sand oil is a thick, gooey substance that is more corrosive and acidic than conventional oil, making those pipes more susceptible to corrosion and bringing a higher risk of spills. And tar sands oil spills themselves are more toxic and difficult to clean up.

Yesterday’s announced expansion includes a proposed doubling in size of Enbridge’s Michigan pipeline, which in 2010 spilled 1.2 million gallons of tar sands crude into the Kalamazoo River—a massive spill that has still not been cleaned up and is still affecting local communities.

“What if a spill like the Enbridge Kalamazoo River fiasco happened here in Maine next to Sebago Lake?” asked Voorhees. “Maine people deserve to know the facts, not only about the full scope of this pipeline reversal, but about what kind of oil would flow through the pipeline and a clear assessment of the risks to Maine people and places.”

As further evidence of the piecemeal approach to Trailbreaker, Enbridge affiliates had separately applied for a permit to build a pumping station near the Vermont-Quebec border for the purpose of reversing the flow of oil between Montreal and Portland, Maine. That permit was initially denied in March, but a re-application by the company is expected.

Natural Resources Council of Maine
3 Wade St
Augusta, ME 04330
(207) 430-0112 (Direct)
dylan@nrcm.org

Agency Encourages Business Development, but Urges Caution with New Kind of Offering

Maine’s Office of Securities issued an advisory Tuesday warning investors to approach “crowdfunding” investment opportunities with great caution. The advisory is posted on the Office’s website at www.investors.maine.gov.

Crowdfunding is an online money-raising strategy that began as a way for the public to donate small amounts of money, often through social networking websites, to help artists, musicians, filmmakers and other creative people finance their projects.

Through the federal Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act, small businesses and entrepreneurs will be able to tap into the “crowd” in search of investments to finance their business ventures. Under the new law, however, these investments opportunities will not be regulated or scrutinized for their legitimacy.

“The Office of Securities encourages business development and investment opportunities, but because the potential for fraud with crowdfunding is significant, investors must be extremely cautious,” said Maine Securities Administrator Judith Shaw. “Crowdfunding will be exempt from oversight—making it even more important for potential investors to do their research, checking references and asking the right questions.”

Congress enacted the JOBS Act last month and directed the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to adopt rules within 270 days to implement a new exemption to allow crowdfunding. Until the rules are adopted any offers or sales of securities purporting to rely on the crowdfunding exemption would be unlawful under the federal securities laws.

“Before the SEC rules are adopted, investors should beware of promoters who jump the gun by offering investments through crowdfunding now,” Administrator Shaw added. “Once exempt, crowdfunding investments will not be reviewed by regulators before being offered to the public, nor will they be required to provide the same level of disclosures to investors or regulators that are required of securities offerings. Investors should expect to be bombarded with offerings and sales pitches.”

Similar exemptions, such as the 1996 passage of the National Securities Markets Improvement Act (NSMIA) which prohibited states from reviewing private offerings made under SEC Regulation D Rule 506 before they were sold to the public, led to many cases of fraud and numerous scams. The North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), of which Maine’s Office of Securities is a member, reports these offerings are the most frequent source of enforcement cases handled by state securities regulators.

In issuing the crowdfunding advisory, Administrator Shaw also announced that NASAA has created a new task force to focus on Internet fraud. The Internet Fraud Investigations Project Group was formed to monitor crowdfunding and other Internet offerings.

Consumers with questions about crowdfunding offerings, or any other investment issue, should contact Maine’s Office of Securities before investing. The Office can be reached toll-free at 1-877-624-8551. Information is also available online at www.investors.maine.gov.

The Office of Securities is part of Maine’s Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, which encourages sound ethical business practices through the oversight of insurers, financial institutions, creditors, investment providers, and numerous professions and occupations for the purpose of protecting the citizens of Maine. Consumers can learn more about the Department at www.maine.gov/pfr.

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Otherwise, they will have to wait until 9 a.m. for the gate to open in order to access the day use portion of the park in Casco, according to park officials.

This is the second year that the park has offered the Early Launch Permit, said Park Manager Matt McGuire.

“We have had a really good response to the Early Launch Permit, and we encourage anyone interested in finding out more to stop by the park office,” McGuire said.

Sebago Lake State Park will resume its normal schedule of closing the Day Use entrance gates at sunset on Friday, May 11. The park gates normally are closed and locked at sunset each evening and opened at 9 a.m. daily.

The Early Launch Permit is $10 and includes the gate combination. The pass is available at the park office at 11 Park Access Road in Casco (Phone: 207-693-6231).

In a related matter, McGuire said that fishing is “very good right now – now is the time to be fishing” at the park. Reports are that salmon fishing is excellent, with fishermen quickly reaching their limits. Those who don’t have boats also are finding success at Songo Locks, McGuire said.

“The fishermen are getting more successful every day,” he said.

For more information about Sebago Lake State Park, go to: http://www.maine.gov/sebagolake

For more information about Maine state parks, go to: http://www.parksandlands.com

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“Links to FDA advice are the most significant source of timely updates. The Maine Department of Agriculture has monitored recalls in other states since the initial outbreak in early April. Products sold in Maine were in included in the expanded recall issued on May 7, 2012,” said Steve Giguere, Acting Director of the Division of Quality Assurance & Regulations. Salmonella is potentially a very serious illness to pets and pet owners.

Human health concerns that might be associated with the potentially contaminated pet food should be reported to Dr. Stephen Sears at the Maine Center for Disease Control. Pet illnesses should be reported to the Maine Department of Agriculture.

The FDA became involved in early April when Salmonella from an intact package of Diamond Naturals Lamb and Rice Formula for Adult Dogs was collected during retail surveillance sampling collected by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Diamond Pet Foods was notified of the sampling results, and agreed to voluntarily recall the product.

FDA, Center of Disease Control and state investigations are ongoing in an effort to determine if other brands of dry dog food produced at the Diamond Pet Foods’ South Carolina facility may be linked to confirmed human illnesses.

Consumers should check the company’s website, Diamond Pet Foods Recall Information, for information on how to read lot codes and “best by” dates involved in the recall:

• Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul
• Country Value
• Diamond
• Diamond Naturals
• Premium Edge
• Professional
• 4Health
• Taste of the Wild
• Apex (distributed only in the state of South Carolina)
• Kirkland Signatur
• Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain
• Canidae

The following companies have announced voluntary recalls for products that were also produced at the Gaston, South Carolina facility:

Wellpet LLC

• Wellness Complete Health Super5Mix Large Breed Puppy with “best by” dates of JAN 9 2013 through JAN 11 2013 (15 LB bag, 30 LB bag, 5 oz sample bags)

The company reports that no other Wellpet recipes, sizes or brands of food are impacted by the recall. Complete details are available at Wellpet LLC News7 .

• (Dick Van Patten’s) Natural Balance Pet Foods

“Best by” dates and the states where they were distributed vary for these products. Check the Natural Balance Pet Foods recall website8 for details.

• Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Venison Dog (5 LB, 15 LB and 28 LB)
• Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog (5 LB, 15 LB and 28 LB)
• Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Bison Dog (5 LB, 15 LB and 28 LB)
• Natural Balance Vegetarian Dog (5 LB)
• Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog Large Breed Bites (28 LB)
• Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog Small Breed Bites (5 LB and 12.5 LB)

Diamond Pet Foods continues to work directly with distributors and retailers where the recalled products are carried to remove them as quickly as possible from the marketplace. FDA will provide updates on the recall and the investigation as new information becomes available.

To report human health concerns contact Dr. Stephen Sears at the Maine Center for Disease Control at 1-800-821-5821.

To report animal illness associated with pet food contact the FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator for Maine at 1-800-891-8295. Or to report electronically go to:http://www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov/

For more information about the recall go to: http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/Corenetwork/ucm302904.htm

For more information about the Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources go to: http://www.maine.gov/agriculture/index.shtml

Maine Department of Agriculture Contact: Steve Giguere, 207-287-4456, steve.giguere@maine.gov

STAND UP AGAINST THESE BUDGET CUTS AND MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD: Lawmakers in Augusta need to know that cuts to these vital programs will have a devastating impact and are inexcusable!

TUESDAY, MAY 15th, 2012 (9:30 AM): Before the final vote on the budget, come to the State House in Augusta to show your opposition to these cuts. Your elected representatives need to know that Maine people oppose this irresponsible budget.

The following list provides some of the most damaging and irresponsible initiatives. (Please note that this is a preliminary analysis and numbers are subject to change.)

Cuts that will harm seniors and people with disabilities:
- Cuts the Drugs for the Elderly Program that helps seniors and people with disabilities afford their prescription drugs;
- Cuts the Medicare Savings Program that helps seniors and people with disabilities pay for prescription drugs and health care costs.

Cuts that will harm low-income children and families:
- Eliminates MaineCare coverage for 14,500 low-income working parents;
- Cuts funding for Head Start, which means that 216 very young children will no longer have access;
- Cuts funding for the Child Care Subsidy Program;
- Eliminates funding for the Maine Families Home Visiting Program, which will eliminate vital services for Maine’s most vulnerable infants and children;
- Eliminates funding for family planning;
- Cuts funding for dental services for people with low incomes and no other source of dental help; and
- Completely eliminates MaineCare coverage for 7,000 young adults (19 and 20 year olds).

Please join us at the State House tomorrow morning at 9:30am to oppose these dangerous cuts.

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CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE

WEEKLY MEMORANDUM

TO:     Mayor MacLean, Members of the City Council, and Department Heads

FROM:    Scott Morelli, City Manager

DATE:    May 11, 2012

RE:      Weekly Memo

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Next week’s meeting agenda

Below please find an update on recent City activities:

• A reminder that members of the public can view the FY13 budget information by visiting the City’s website at www.gardinermaine.com
• As you likely have noticed, City Staff and local volunteers have installed 76 flags on telephone poles across Gardiner.  This is a result of an idea proposed by Farmingdale resident and Legion member Jim Keenan, and coordinated efforts between City staff and Gardiner Main Street.  All flags and poles were paid for with donations.  No tax dollars were expended.  We owe a debt of gratitude to Boy Scout Troup 672, who assembled all of the flags.  The flags run down Rt 201 from Northern Avenue to past Ainslie’s, encircle the Common, and also run down 126 from the downtown to just past Mike’s Sidetrack Grill.  Pictures can be viewed on the City’s website.  There is a potential for more flags to be erected in the downtown, towards South Gardiner, and in other areas.  A ceremony will be held on Memorial Day after the parade to recognize those who donated to the effort.  I’d like to thank the following individuals for volunteering their time last Sunday morning to put up these 76 flags:

• McFarland Electric – Don McFarland, Ben McFarland, David Lucas, Garrett Lucas
• Hickey Tree Service – Chuck Smith, Tim Somes
• D B Nadeu Construction – Dan Nadeau, Alex Nadeau
• GMS – Patrick Wright
• Legion – Jim Keenan
• City Staff – Scott Morelli, Chuck Applebee, Mike Minkowsky, Nate Rudy, Dee Berglund, Robin Plourde
• GPD officers on duty also provided assistance (not volunteer)

• After a hiatus of 34 years, the City of Gardiner once again has produced an annual city report.  The report, dedicated to the late Mayor Brian Rines, provides an insight on departmental accomplishments throughout calendar year 2011 and also provides detailed financial information about the FY11 budget.  You can view the annual report on our website, view public copies in City Hall or at the Library, or purchase your own printed copy for $5 from the City Clerk’s office.  Special thanks to City Clerk Dee Berglund and Deputy Clerk Ruth Glaeser for their efforts in assembling this report
• A reminder that Gardiner Main Street’s “Ride Into Summer” event (formerly “Hawgs, Pies, and Fireworks”) will be held downtown on Friday, May 25^th.  Events begin at 4 p.m. and will be capped off by a generously donated fireworks show by Central Maine Pyrotechnics at 9 p.m.  For more information, please visit Gardiner Main Street’s website
• I am pleased to confirm that the City has enter into an exclusive listing agreement with the Fontaine Real Estate team located in Auburn to list city-owned property, including our lots at Libby Hill.  With our Economic Development Director Nate Rudy working also as an independent contractor for them, we will be more aggressively and successfully marketing our lots
• Updates from Economic Development:

• Gardiner hosted a successful seminar on historic preservation in the floodplain, drawing visitors from Pittston to Portland and beyond to discuss how owners can maximize their investment in property without risking their National Floodplain Insurance Program (NFIP) status and possibly having their plans rejected by a local Code Enforcement Officer
• Gardiner’s Libby Hill Business Park ad ran in the April 16th Mainebiz, and Gardiner’s sponsorship of the MEREDA Spring Conference on New Urbanism also yielded a logo placement in MEREDA’s April 30th ad in Mainebiz
• Gardiner will run a series of ads with summer tourism messages in Down East’s June-August issues and Mainebiz magazine’s tourism and Fact Book issues

• In January the City contacted the Bureau of Labor Standards for the purpose of conducting a voluntary safety audit of the Fire Central Station.  Proactively requesting a survey allows the City six months to correct compliancy issues without being subjected to fines.  That same month, Tammy Gross of the BLS conducted surveys of apparatus bays, living quarters, equipment and the South Gardiner Station.  She identified 31 points as potential violations that needed to be addressed.  Predominantly the issues identified were in record keeping (e.g. training records, gear checks, annual review of action plans).  Captain Rich Kindelan was assigned to oversee corrective measures with assistance of all fire personnel.  After 3 months all violations have been addressed with the exception of several minor issues that will require an outside contractor to repair. It is anticipated the outstanding repairs will be complete by the end of this month.  My thanks to Fire Chief Mike Minkowsky and his staff for proactively addressing these issues
• The City of Gardiner is seeking bids for sixteen (16) park signs demonstrating historic and natural resources, to be installed at the Waterfront Park and Marina.  Sign material must be suitable for exterior installation and meet the criteria specified in this request.  Completed Bids must be delivered by 10:00 AM on June 1, 2012
• The City of Gardiner is accepting proposals for Planning Consultant Services to Update the Comprehensive Plan.  The deadline for submission of proposals is 4:30 PM on Friday, June 1, 2012
• There will be a District Budget Meeting on the proposed MSAD 11 budget on Tuesday, May 29 at 6 p.m. in the Gardiner Area High School Gymnasium.  The budget approved that night will go before voters for a referendum vote on Tuesday, June 12.   Under the proposed budget, Gardiner will see a reduction of over $97,000 in its assessment
• The annual Household Hazardous Waste Day will occur on Saturday, May 19^th from 9 am to Noon at the Augusta Public Works garage on 55 North Street.  Residents can get rid of unwanted chemicals (such as cleaners), medications, sharps, and electronic waste (such as old TVs).  You must pre-register by stopping in to City Hall or calling 582-4460

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to serve the people of Gardiner as City Manager.

Gardiner City Hall – 6 Church Street, Gardiner, ME 04345
Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm   (207) 582-4200

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Justin Chenette

Saco, Maine – The local Democratic establishment is coalescing behind a new but familiar face to the political scene, 21-year-old Justin Chenette.

Chenette is currently running for the State House seat in district 134 being vacated by State Rep. Linda Valentino who is running for State Senate. Sona Lundh-Gay is his democratic opponent in the primary being held on June 12th.

Rep. Valentino has come out in support of Chenette.

“From the first time I saw Justin on TV, I knew that he was someone who was going to achieve in his pursuits,” says Valentino. “I’m proud to have had a hand in mentoring him over the years such as endorsing his Gubernatorial appointment as the first student member of the Maine State Education Board.”

Chenette has worked for Rep. Valentino as her Communications Director in her 2010 re-election bid and subsequently on her recent senatorial campaign.

Dr. Susan Shaw is the Vice-Chair of the Saco-Bay Democrats and is also supporting Chenette early in the process.

“Justin is a young man who is remarkably intelligent, eloquent of speech, and ambitious in helping the future of his fellow man. He is a dedicated Democrat who is compassionate beyond his years,” explains Dr. Shaw.

Former Saco City Councilor and Deputy Registrar of Voters, Janet Fernald, echoes Dr. Shaw’s sentiments, “We need to support our young people when they have a desire to serve for any office.”

While it’s not typical for leaders in any party to endorse a candidate in a contested primary, this one seems to be breaking all the molds. Many core Democrats are upset that Lundh-Gay managed the campaign of her husband, Roger Gay’s failed Green-Independent bid against Rep. Valentino in 2010 taking valuable votes away from the Democratic candidate.

“Justin is passionate about government change and transparency and will be a strong independent voice for Saco,” Rep. Valentino says.

The two-year Freeport study, published in 2012, is the most exacting analysis of water withdrawal from this watershed done to date, and the study approach already is being applied to another site, said Dr. Robert Marvinney, Maine state geologist and project manager.

“This is the most rigorous analysis of the impact of water withdrawals in this watershed, and it now provides watershed managers with a robust tool to consider future water-use scenarios under varying climatic conditions,” Marvinney said. “This effort married the respective strengths of the Maine Geological Survey (MGS) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in a well-coordinated and useful study.”

The newly developed computer model is “a detailed model of the aquifer system that explicitly shows how the groundwater system and streams interact in the study area,” said Martha Nielsen, USGS hydrologist and study author. “The purpose was to understand how climate and aquifer management affect overall water availability and changes in stream flow.”

The extensive study was directed by the Water Resources Planning Committee, a statewide advisory group composed of water professionals, such as water district officials, state and federal officials, commercial water users, environmental groups and geologists. Marvinney, the committee’s chairman, said the group meets several times a year to discuss water issues in Maine and to recommend where state agencies should focus resources and research.

A watershed is defined as a geographic area in which all precipitation flows to a common point such as a river or lake. In 2006, MGS did a study of smaller watersheds in Maine that had the potential for “too much water use for what was available,” Marvinney said. Out of 973 watersheds examined – each about 35 square miles in size – about a dozen sites, including Freeport, were shown to have relatively high water use compared to supply.

That earlier study “was used as a guidance tool for where we should focus additional work,” the state geologist said.

The Freeport watershed was chosen collectively for the detailed study, begun in 2009, because it is a relatively small watershed, at 19 square miles, with a use of 100 million gallons a year; it has a major water user, the Freeport Water District utility; and there is a well-defined aquifer, or underground water source, Marvinney said.

For Freeport, “the overall goal was to look at how ground water and surface water [flowing streams, ponds and rivers] are tied together and how withdrawals from ground water would affect surface-water flows,” the state geologist explained. Environmental water need for aquatic habitats also was taken into consideration along with human use, he said.

In building the computer model, the purpose was to look at different climate and demographic risks and pumping scenarios, he continued. “What happens if there’s a drought? What happens if the population grows? So managers can begin to use the model as a planning tool,” Marvinney said.

As part of the project, Dan Locke, MGS hydrogeologist and study author, made numerous stream-flow measurements during 2009 and 2010 at five sites along Harvey and Merrill brooks in the Freeport-Pownal area. The measurements were made under different flow conditions and through the changing seasons. He also compiled information on groundwater levels and oversaw the drilling of two new observational wells. In addition, the Freeport aquifer also was studied in detail to understand its dimensions and thickness of sand, gravel, mud and clay layers, Marvinney noted.

Compiling data into the computer model resulted in “the most detailed analysis we’ve done on a small watershed in Maine,” Nielsen said. As a result, “what we have now is a tool that can help water resources managers look at future impacts on water resources, as in drought conditions and population increases. It gives us a framework that we can use for other watersheds.”

For Freeport, the computer model indicates there is an adequate water supply to meet direct demand, both human and environmental, the state geologist said. “With current usage, there is not an issue of annual supply,” he said.

The same modeling approach now is being used in an investigation of the Branch Brook watershed in York County where data collection is under way, Marvinney said.

The state geologist pointed out that the USGS is initiating a water census for the entire nation, and the analytical approach, designed for small watersheds, “undoubtedly” could be used in the Northeast and the type of geology found there.

“Our work can be part of this national effort,” Marvinney said.

To view the Freeport report, go to: http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2011/5227

For a summary of the study, go to: http://www.maine.gov/doc/nrimc/mgs/explore/water/sites/may10.htm

For more information about the Maine Geological Survey, go to: http://www.maine.gov/doc/nrimc/mgs/explore/water/sites/may10.htm

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Maine State Senator Roger Katz

AUGUSTA –Hunters, fishermen, snowmobilers, sportsmen, conservationists and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle will gather at the State House on Monday to call on the Maine Legislature to replenish the Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) program.  Lawmakers will be asked to support LD 852, a $5 million bond proposal designed to help fund working waterfronts, farmlands, and forests; wildlife habitat; and special recreation lands across the state. If passed, Maine voters will have the opportunity to vote on an LMF bond this November.

Supporters will herald the economic and community benefits of conserving Maine’s natural resources.  They will discuss the LMF program’s long-standing popularity and its importance to Maine’s agriculture, forest products, fishing, and tourism/recreation industries.

Since its inception, the LMF program has conserved land in each of Maine’s 16 counties, including working farms, commercial fishing waterfronts, timberland, and important tourism and recreation sites. Nearly 200 projects have been completed statewide, ensuring more than 500,000 acres of land remains open to the public for hunting, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor recreation.

Senator Roger Katz, a Republican from Augusta who is sponsoring the legislation states, “Our natural resources are what set Maine apart – they are our biggest competitive advantage.  Preserving and conserving them has got to be a top priority as we develop and grow.  This is a value shared by families and businesses across the state.”

WHAT: Land for Maine’s Future press conference

WHEN: Monday, May 14th at 12:30 PM

WHERE: Hall of Flags, State House, Augusta

WHO:

• Senator Roger Katz, Augusta
• Representative Jeff McCabe, Skowhegan
• Carole Dyer, hunter from Bowdoinham
• Dave Ramsey, sportsman and President of the Brownville Snowmobile Club
• Melanee Osier-Gilbert, fisherman from Bremen

WHAT ELSE: Graphics from recent economic impact study

The Maine Land Bond Coalition is comprised of more than 350 supporting organizations, including sportsmen, business leaders, citizens, health organizations, conservationists, recreational enthusiasts and environmentalists.

Natural Resources Council of Maine
3 Wade Street
Augusta, ME 04330
(207) 430-0103
fax (207) 622-4343
www.nrcm.org

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Business and nonprofit entities can file quickly and easily using the Secretary of State’s online filing system. To file online, go to: https://www10.informe.org/aro/index_on.html . Payment may be made by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, electronic check or with a subscriber account.

The Annual Report fee is $85 for domestic business entities, $150 for foreign business entities and $35 for domestic or foreign nonprofit corporations. Entities that filed online in a previous year will be able to review the information provided at that time, and will simply need to update that information as necessary prior to filing this year’s report. For account subscribers, the online filing service includes additional functionality to assist with managing multiple annual report filings.

Another online service allows noncommercial clerks or noncommercial registered agents to change their addresses. Additionally, this service allows an authorized individual of a foreign entity (organized outside Maine) to change the principal or home office address. Anyone wishing to make these address changes separately from the online annual report filing service, should visit: https://www10.informe.org/icrs/change/ .

For entities that prefer to file a paper annual report, a preprinted form can be downloaded at: http://www10.informe.org/aro/form_download.html .

A substantial late-filing penalty will be assessed, and may not be waived, on all reports received after June 1, 2012, the legal filing deadline.

The Secretary of State’s Corporations Division is available to answer questions regarding Annual Report filing or changing an address. The division can be reached at (207) 624-7752.

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Otherwise, they will have to wait until 9 a.m. for the gate to open in order to access the day use portion of the park in Casco, according to park officials.

This is the second year that the park has offered the Early Launch Permit, said Park Manager Matt McGuire.

“We have had a really good response to the Early Launch Permit, and we encourage anyone interested in finding out more to stop by the park office,” McGuire said.

SebagoLake State Park will resume its normal schedule of closing the Day Use entrance gates at sunset on Friday, May 11.  The park gates normally are closed and locked at sunset each evening and opened at 9 a.m. daily.

The Early Launch Permit is $10 and includes the gate combination. The pass is available at the park office at11 Park Access Roadin Casco (Phone: 207-693-6231).

In a related matter, McGuire said that fishing is “very good right now – now is the time to be fishing” at the park. Reports are that salmon fishing is excellent, with fishermen quickly reaching their limits. Those who don’t have boats also are finding success at Songo Locks, McGuire said.

“The fishermen are getting more successful every day,” he said.

For more information about Sebago Lake State Park, go to: http://www.maine.gov/sebagolake

For more information about Maine state parks, go to: http://www.parksandlands.com

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