What Has SAM Done for You Lately?

Completed another success legislative session.

Created an ambitious new Strategic Plan.

Gained intervenor status from the Land Use Regulation Commission on Plum Creek’s Moosehead Lake conservation and development plan.

Continued to work as an intervenor in the federal lawsuit by a California animal rights group to prohibit all trapping in the north woods to protect Canadian lynx.

Placed SAM’s executive director on the Governor’s Task Force Regarding the Management of Public Lands and Publicly-Held Easements which will issue a report and recommendations by the end of the year.

Placed retired DIF&W deer biologist Gerry Lavigne on the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s working group on deer and coyote issues), with a report and recommendations due this fall.

Gained representation on DIF&W’s brook trout working group – a position shared by Gary Corson and Ed Courtenay.

Submitted testimony opposing a proposal to shorten the grouse season (the proposal was set aside at the Fish and Wildlife Advisory Council).

Continued SAM’s management role in the exciting Kennebec River Initiative.

Continued to work with Maine’s Secretary of State on a sportsman’s license plate to be issued in 2008.

Continued to participate in a series of meetings with Roxanne Quimby to look for ways sportsmen can gain access to and use her north woods lands.

Began work by SAM’s Fishing Initiative Committee to create new goals and objectives to improve fisheries and expand fishing opportunities.

Prepared three grant applications to redesign and upgrade SAM’s website, create a plan for a  comprehensive landowner relations program for Maine, and host a conference for Maine fish and game clubs.

Hosted another successful auction for SAM’s Conservation Education Fund on September 9.

Hosted an open house at SAM’s spectacular new conference center for all SAM members and conference center donors on September 16.

Scheduled SAM’s first annual Fish and Game Club Cookoff, scheduled for Sunday, October 7 from 1 pm to 4 pm at SAM’s conference center.

Began work on SAM’s 2008 Legislative Agenda.