2012-04 April meeting minutes

Frederick County

Forest Conservancy District Board

April 9, 2012 Meeting Minutes

Those present: Ginny Brace, Tom Anderson, Claude Eans. Lynne Marquess, Michelle Donahue, Jim Arnold, Tyson Rose, Steve Thrasher, Mike Kay

1. Call to Order – The meeting was called to order and March’s minutes were approved as written.

2. Treasurer’s Report: Tom indicated that there were two expenditures for refreshments for our lectures and a $500 check written to HCC for Larry’s Memorial tree and subsequent maintenance.

3. Logging Site Exams: Mike mentioned that two plans arrived for the meeting. Given Mike’s hectic April schedule we decided to allow Mike to inspect the properties on his own and report back to the board if he sees any problems or would like the board members to look at the sites.

4. Big Tree Program: Michelle has made up business cards to identify her as the Frederick County volunteer lead in the Big Tree program. Michelle, Lynne, and John Bennett and Dori Murphy from Cecil County measured 14 trees earlier this month that have become default Frederick County champion trees. Tyson is placed Dori’s photos on the Big Tree Program page on the website. We plan to link to the new MBTB website when it’s up and running. The Siberian Elm measured is now the 2nd largest example found in Maryland. John Bennett has submitted a press release to Karen Gardner for the FNP.

5. Neighborhood Green: Mike distributed the flyer that Heather put together and mentioned that the program is scheduled for Saturday, May 12, 2012. Tyson placed this announcement in the Spotlight Section of the FCFB Home Page. Some members indicated that they would like to attend but wondered whether or not they needed to submit payment for application. Mike said that this would be Heather’s call but thought that since the Board is helping to sponsor the event he doesn’t think that they would need to pay. Mike thought that Heather received 4 applications for the program so far.

6. Forestry Lecture Series: Lynne mentioned that we had 22 people at the last program and feedback received was very positive and praised Tom Lupp for an excellent presentation. Due to the limited time the question and answer session was brief. Michelle has contacted Jen Willoughby and Becky Wilson and they have discussed their presentations. Michelle is doing a short presentation on the MD Big Tree Program as well. Mike will bring his projector, extension cord, and refreshments. Becky will bring a laptop and set everything up. The next program will be on Thursday, May 3, 2012. Claude gave Mike a copy of his Power Point she is staffing at a high school careers conference at the end of May.

7. Nature Notes: Ginny is happy to report that we have a backlog of several articles for the weekly column. Ginny asked that if we draft any current articles that are time sensitive that we let her know so she can relay this to Sue. Ginny will contact Sue to see what is currently in the backlog of articles so that nothing slips through the cracks. Ginny mentioned that she received an article from Melissa Stevens on the Buffer in a Bag program which should be running in this Sunday’s edition.

8. Web Site: Tyson said that everything is up to date and thanked Claude and Jim for taking photos at the last lecture and for Lynne for doing a short article on the program. Tyson asked Michelle and Claude to send him copies of the Power Points after their programs so that they can be posted.

9. Larry’s Memorial planting: Lynne stated that the memorial tree planting will be held on Friday, April 20, 2012 at HCC and distributed a map of the campus that displayed the location. Following the meeting Tom scanned the map and sent it to Mike to distribute as necessary. (Copy included with minutes.) Lynne has mailed out invitations to a list of people requested by Larry’s widow and HCC.

10. Other Business: Lynne handed Mike a note that Mike read to the Board members which said: “My fourteen years with the board has been fulfilling and rewarding. I have learned so much working with you in the support of a worthy cause, and sincerely hope that I have contributed to furthering the Board’s mission during my volunteer service. I have especially enjoyed working with the many talented, dedicated, and passionate people at the Natural Resources Careers Camp. However, the time has come to move on. I regret to inform you that I am resigning from the effective July 31, 2012. I wish everyone the best.