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Time and Tide Resource Conservation and Development Area Success Stories

Waldoboro Shad Hatchery Continues On

Production success continues for the Waldoboro Shad Hatchery which, in 1993, was funded with a $15,000 development grant from Time and Tide RC&D.  The Hatchery has grown from a single holding tank to a 12-tank operation.  In 2003 the shad restoration project stocked about 9.6 million shad fry and fingerlings into the Androscoggin, Kennebec, Saco and Medomak rivers, with the bulk being released in the Kennebec .

The process begins with the adult shad that are brought to the hatchery where their eggs are collected and then hatched into fry.  In 2003 a total of 638 Merrimack River shad were delivered to the hatchery in May and June.  These shad produced about 12.2 million eggs, with an average viability of 81 percent, which produced the 9.6 million fry.  

In September 2003 about 21,000 fingerlings were released into the Medomak River.  Only about 200-300 fingerlings were lost during the transport, an outstanding success rate.  

Sam Chapman, Aquaculture Specialist, and his wife Carolyn own the hatchery and, along with their son Andrew, operate the business.  As a family the Chapman’s began working on fish restoration projects in the 1970’s and have been raising shad for about 10 years.  

With regards to the number of fish stocked and the potential of returning adults for spawning, the Shad Restoration Project is the most successful intensive hatchery-based restoration project in the entire state, according to Chapman.

Women's Agricultural Network Conference Held

The Time and Tide Resource Conservation and Development Area assisted in planning and presenting the Women's Agricultural Network's third annual New England conference, entitled "Common Threads in the Fabric of Farming: Honoring the Role of Women".  One hundred twenty-five women involved in agriculture attended the conference.  Group activities and a variety of educational sessions were offered throughout the day including such topics as:  the importance of having a business plan, improving farm profits with value-added fiber options, marketing strategies presented by a panel of women farmers, risk management, and setting a holistic goal.  The conference afforded women and other under-served individuals the valuable opportunity for networking and educating themselves on the important issues in farming today.  The conference was funded in part by the Risk Management Agency, and was sponsored by the Time and Tide Resource Conservation and Development Area; University of Maine Cooperative Extension; Women's Agricultural Network of Maine; Beginning Farmers of New Hampshire; Women's Agricultural Network of Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire; Heifer International, and AmeriCorps.

So, what is “The Dresden Farmlands” all about?

New signs at the corners of Rte. 197 & 128 and at Rte. 27 & 197 have people in Maine wondering what it’s all about.

The Dresden Farmlands signs are the result of the Rte 128 farmers, Carlsons, Goransons, Popp and Sonshine Growers, efforts to establish and identify the entire length of Rte 128, from Rte 27 to the Woolwich town line, as the Dresden Farmlands.  The concept is funded by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources and the Time and Tide Resource Conservation and Development Council and was approved by the Dresden Selectmen last year and by the Maine Department of Transportation prior to them being erected.  Businesses along the “Agricultural Corridor” use the signage as a basis for identifying where they are located.  In short, it creates a destination for consumers looking for fresh farm products.

The Dresden Growers Association, in conjunction with the above mentioned agencies, are pulling together to create public enthusiasm and awareness of our town’s rich agricultural heritage.

Funds acquired by the group are being used for further advertising and promotions such as information brochures and funding public agriculturally related activities.  One recent event, the Dresden Harvest Supper, was financially supported by the Dresden Growers Association, as well as supplied with fresh Dresden-grown food products, for the Dresden Historical Society’s annual fundraising event.

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