ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

River Management Successes and Challenges

“ 8   A N D   8   I N   ‘ 0 8 ”  a contest

Have you faced a unique or difficult challenge on your river? If so, we want to hear about it — and reward you for telling us. RMS wants to highlight management challenges that illustrate the work our members do, publicize successes for others to emulate, and identify controversial issues that may need attention and resources in the future.

How to Enter
Current RMS members, as well as symposium attendees, can submit a nomination (fewer than 500 words) by April 1, 2008. One “success” and one “challenge” for a total of two nominations may be submitted. Please indicate whether the nomination is a “success” or a “challenge.”

Nominations should be related to issues where substantial work has occurred since January 2006. They should also be specific to a river or group of rivers. For example, the discussion should not simply identify a national river management challenge without linking it to specific work on a river where that challenge is prominent. Nominations should focus on specific rivers and issues, not the people or organizations that worked on them. The spirit of the contest is to honor successes or identify challenges, not focus on the people or groups that may be responsible for them (positively or negatively). No individual names should appear in a nomination; however it is acceptable to identify agencies or organizations involved (e.g., the names of federal or state agencies, nonprofit organizations, utilities, etc.).

Scoring will be based on the following criteria (10 points each; 50 points total):

1. Importance of the river management issue;
2. Importance of the river or rivers;
3. Implications for management on other rivers;
4. Likely public interest in the issue or river; and
5. Overall quality of the nomination.

The top eight “successes” and “challenges” will be highlighted at the symposium and on the RMS website. A list of “honorable mentions” (non-winners) will also be provided to symposium attendees. Winning  nominations will receive a $50 gift certificate from LL Bean, REI, Northwest Rivers Supply, Cascade Outfitters, or EMS (winner’s choice).

Please submit entries to:

Caroline Kurz at rms@river-management.org by April 1, 2008.

A SPECIAL celebration

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act. Since 1968, this truly landmark legislation has protected 165 of America’s finest rivers. While Maine has only one designated river (the Allagash), a surprising fact considering what spectacular rivers the state has, it is fitting that we acknowledge this anniversary in the Northeast. Many of the designations in the past 10 years have been in the Northeast, and the region is at the forefront of creating “Partnership Rivers,” which are protected through the collaboration of private landowners, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government at all levels. Please join us Monday evening, May 12 as we acknowledge the accomplishments of the past and look to the future of river protection and management for all rivers, not just those of the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System.

O P E N I N G   R E C E P T I O N - Monday, May 12 / 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
(Featuring Stephen Gorman, presentation of the Frank Church Wild and Scenic Rivers Award, and winners of “8 and 8 in ‘08”)

RMS symposia are about renewing old acquaintances and creating new friendships. Our opening reception is the perfect opportunity to do both, while kicking the symposium off on the right foot. Of course there will be great food and beverages, but the real highlight of the opening reception will be a presentation by renowned writer and photographer, Stephen Gorman. Steve will be the perfect compliment to a continuation of our Monday theme, a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, as he talks about the beauty of Maine’s rivers and landscapes.

The opening reception will also feature news about American Rivers’ year-long celebration of the Act, the presentation of the Frank Church Wild & Scenic Rivers Award, and the beginning of the RMS silent auction, featuring a photographic series of our wild and scenic rivers. We hope you’ll plan your travel to join us on Monday evening.

RIVER MEDIA NIGHT - Tuesday, May 13 / 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Do you have a (short) favorite film about your river? An incredible slide show? An original river song? We’ve set aside a couple of hours on Tuesday night for the opportunity to share with your friends. If you have something that illustrates the ‘specialness’ of your stream, please contact Lelia Mellen at (802) 457-3368 x14 or lelia_mellen@nps.gov. We may not be able to show everything at this symposium, but we’ll run as many as we can.

S I L E N T   A U C T I O N

You can help keep RMS in operation by making a donation to the exciting silent auction, which will run throughout the symposium. For manufacturers and distributors, this is a great way to showcase your products. Past donations have included boats, outdoor equipment, art, books, wine, clothing, outfitted trips, and jewelry—anything with an outdoor or river theme!

Please contact Steve Johnson (steven_p_johnson@nps.gov) if you have any questions.

Thank you for supporting RMS! Either bring your donated auction items to Portland, or send them in advance to:

Lelia Mellen
National Park Service
54 Elm St.
Woodstock VT 05091
(802) 457-3368 x14 / lelia_mellen@nps.gov

RMS would like to extend a special thank you to
artist Maria Parasiewicz for generously donating her original painting
(see homepage artwork above) to our silent auction fundraiser.

C L O S I N G   B A N Q U E T

On Thursday evening, a charter boat will take us from the Portland Casco Bay Lines dock (a 20-minute walk from the hotel) to Peaks Island with a 45-minute tour of some key landmarks seen around the Bay such as lighthouses and historic sites. While cruising, enjoy the band “Old Grey Goose” and visit the cash bar for a drink.

Once we arrive on Peaks Island we will take a short stroll to the Lions Club Dance Hall for a traditional lobster bake (or choice of chicken, steak or vegetarian entrée). There is indoor and outdoor seating for dinner, as well as continuing band music and the keynote address by featured guest Sandra Postel - GO TO. The grounds are right on the water with a beautiful view of Portland across the bay—and there will be volleyball and horseshoes for all to enjoy.

Old Grey Goose

Old Grey Goose has been playing and singing the oldtime country dance music and songs of Maine and the Maritimes for over twenty-five years. Old Grey Goose plays a variety of acoustic instruments and sing songs of love, work, diversity, and achievement from the vast repertoire of American folk history. They teach and call New England country dances for schools and community groups, and present lively stories—some humorous, some historical. Bring your dancing shoes!