Those Present: Dawne Howard, Tom Anderson, Steve Thrasher Claude Eans, Jim Arnold, Dave Hunter, Keith Schoonover, Lori Schoonover, Vince Perrotta, Mike Kay

1. Keith called the meeting to order.

2. Dave: We all want to Wish Dave Barrow a speedy recovery!

3. Treasurer’s Report: Claude mentioned that he received $2,500 from MUCFC for two ongoing projects (Thurmont, Emmitsburg) and he submitted a check for $1170 to the City of Thurmont to cover the expense of trees used in the Saturday, November 4, 2017 planting. Claude also sent a $330 check back to MUCFC for funds that were not spent during the 2016 planting in Thurmont. We received $.31 interest last month.

4. Treasurer’s Report: Claude mentioned that he received $2,500 from MUCFC for two ongoing projects (Thurmont, Emmitsburg) and he submitted a check for $1170 to the City of Thurmont to cover the expense of trees used in the Saturday, November 4, 2017 planting. Claude also sent a $330 check back to MUCFC for funds that were not spent during the 2016 planting in Thurmont. We received $.31 interest this month.

5. Logging site exams: Mike and Dave Barrow inspected all three sites in November. Mike called the Weaber Forester and said they will not approve their plan until we receive a landowner’s signature. Subsequently we received a signed copy and approved the plan. (Despite the heavy marking this was a textbook group selection with all trees being marked for removal inside the groups.) This harvest should spur on oak regeneration

6. Scout training program: Claude contacted William Desmond about a prosed training to be held next spring. Mr. Desmond returned Claude’s call and they discussed the training. Both thought May would be an opportune time. Claude held off on setting a definite date because he wanted to make sure that it did not clash with the date of our anticipated easement workshop. Mike mentioned that the easement workshop is very tentative now and he suggested that Claude set a date with the Scouts. Claude indicated that he will touch base with Mr. Desmond and pick a date.

7. Landowner Easement Educational program: We submitted an application for $2,210 to the Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro Ecology for the Landowner Easement program prior to their deadline on October 31, 2017. This application should have been screened in late November. So far no word has been received whether we received the grant or not.

8. Sustainability Commission: Tom reviewed the proposed changes to Frederick County’s Forest Retention Ordinances; and, prepared comments which were sent to Board members for their consideration. After some discussion a motion was made to forward Tom’s comments to the Chair of the Sustainability Commission on behalf of the . The motion was seconded and passed by those present.

9. Nature Notes: Lori mentioned that she still has a pretty good backlog of articles and she sent Sue Guynn two time sensitive articles by Dawne and Mike. Dawne’s November Plant Tips column ran last Sunday.

10. Web Site: Tyson reported in prior to the meeting that our Web site is up to date.

11. New Business: Claude suggested that from this time forward Vince cater Forestry Board meetings. Vince said that he didn’t think that he could do this but we can all hope. Can’t we?

As we packed up our swag, stuffed some cookies in coat, wished each other happy holidays, Merry Christmas etc. the fait sound of bells tinkled in the background.

Merry Christmas

And

Happy New Year