Members' Update 2009

This year the MCA began laying the foundation that will help build the broad community support needed to tackle the problems of growing pollution levels associated with land development, outdated farming practices and sub par wastewater management. The cornerstone of this relationship lies in the tradition of festivals recognizing and honoring of our rich past that are celebrated and enjoyed up and down our beautiful coastal areas.

In the Mid Coast, the MCA took part in the annual Waldoboro Day festival with an “eat for clean water” steamed clam supper on the banks of the Medomak River. Local clammers donated the clams through Waldoboro’s newly enacted conservation program. We especially enjoyed the parade, which was an environmentalist dream with the theme of participating floats being Clean Water and a Healthy River as well as the annual Hod races. The MCA is hopeful to kick up the competitive notch by encouraging teams from other regions to compete in the Hod races in 2010.

Despite almost being washed away by an afternoon monsoon, the MCA held the first annual 4th of July Clean Water Clambake in Freeport. The participation of local clammers as well as an army of volunteers was outstanding. We are already anticipating next years feast with a specific goal in strengthening the relationship between community and clammer.

As summer drew to a close, we traveled to the second annual Shellfish Field Day hosted by the DownEast Research Institute. The event was held on the spectacular and remote location of Wasp Island. Along the great food offered, there was also a terrific mixture of fun and learning, including a“ clam flying” contest, music, scientific displays as well as the numerous knowledgeable people on hand. As with all agencies and institutions whose work and interests intertwine with our own, we welcome the opportunity to work closely with and learn from the DEI. It can only further our common goal of doing what we can to help the people and clammers Downeast.