Comment from Ralph Keef, Penobscot Salmon Club

To Whom It May Concern: I will be away from the state of Maine during the periods when public hearings are scheduled. Therefore, this note will indicate my view on the potential listing, as endangered or threatened, of Atlantic salmon in rivers that empty into the Gulf of Maine. I regret that "listing" now appears inevitable. However, if this is the result of valid science and professional judgement on the matter, I will agree with and support any reasonable efforts to restore salmon in Maine rivers. I certainly am NOT in favor of listing salmon as endangered in all Maine's rivers. I favor listing salmon as "threatened" so that reasonable judgments may be made regarding these important fish in future years . Variances should be permitted as determined by the state's Atlantic Salmon Commission personnel. For example, it may again be reasonable to allow limited "catch and release" seasons in certain rivers in future years. That will not be possible with an endangered classification but may be possible with a threatened classification. I believe that the special angling season allowed this spring for the Penobscot River was a tremendous success and should serve as a blueprint to be utilized when similar tough decisions are required in future years. Ralph C. Keef Past President, Maine Council of the Atlantic Salmon Federation Ralph C. Keef 30 Skyway Drive Hermon ME 04401 207-848-2274 keefr@hermon.net 30 Skyway Drive