Extrinsic Evidence Seminar - Evidence Indeed

The two-hour seminar on extrinsic evidence presented by the Kennebec Proprietors November 10, 2005 at the University of Maine at Augusta turned out in fact to be a type of evidence itself; the need for meaningful and affordable educational opportunities for the average Maine surveyor without prejudice or penalty for not being a member of the Maine Society of Land Surveyors (MSLS).

Approximately one hundred surveyors from across the state came to hear two experts on Maine boundary case law; Donald R. Richards and Knud E. Hermansen, discuss extrinsic evidence, its use in deed interpretation and the sources recognized by the courts to be acceptable or not.

Frustrated and discouraged by a non-responsive Executive Committee of MSLS when it came to developing affordable educational opportunities for all Maine surveyors, including those surveyors outside of the ranks of MSLS membership and coupled with their lack of autonomy, particularly when it came to making financial decisions of how much a seminar should cost and how the profits would be spent, the Kennebec Proprietors withdrew its association from MSLS in April of 2005. MSLS's policy to charge non-members 70% more for seminars than members and barring the hosting chapter in directing how profits are spent continues to be an irritant to other chapters still associated with the statewide organization.

The group's mission statement, although not identified as such, printed on the brochure announcing its first educational program declares that the Kennebec Proprietors "will remain an organization that enhances the land surveyor's role in society through education. Our goal is to give inexpensive seminars in order to better ourselves and our colleagues." Their President, Randal Reynolds, stressed that the Kennebec Proprietors is by no means in competition with MSLS when it comes to realizing their stated goal of helping all practitioners, but rather seeks to complement the efforts of MSLS. Reynolds said that the Kennebec Proprietors will welcome anybody who wants to join their group, that their annual dues are a modest five dollars and that they generally meet once a month in Winslow at the Point Afta. He also encouraged interested surveyors to submit suggestions for their next educational seminar that they plan to host in the next few months. Membership dues and/ or sustaining contributions can be sent to: Kennebec Proprietors, c/o Rowe and Wendell, 179 Main Street, Waterville, ME 04901. Please make checks payable to: Kennebec Proprietors. At the time of this writing the group does not yet have 501-c3 status but has begun the process of obtaining it. For further information concerning the Kennebec Proprietors, please email Randal Reynolds at rls@uninets.net.

The quick and enthusiastic response by the attendees of the Kennebec Proprietors' first educational seminar to the last question of the evening: "Would you be interested in attending future similar seminars?" provided evidence of such a need and will likely spur this group of committed professionals onto hosting other excellent and affordable seminars in the years to come.