Those Present: Tom Anderson, Dawne Howard, Claude Eans, Vince Perrotta, Dave Barrow, Bruce Phillips, Bethany Dellagnello, Kelly Nichols, Mike Kay

1. Call to order: Vince called the meeting to order.

2. Treasurer’s Report: Claude relayed the following. We received $.22 interest and $500 from the MUCFC program for the Rock Creek Project. Claude also mentioned that he submitted $450 checks for all 3 NRCC attendees.

3. Logging site exams: Representatives from Yost Logging Company were present to provide the Board with a map of a proposed logging area and said the property owner would stop by to provide the Board with a timber Harvest Plan. The site in question lies within Ag Zoning and Resource Conservation. The logging operation was ongoing but was shut down because they did not have a RCZ permit. Jacob Maser stopped by about 20 minutes later. We went over the logging plan requirements with him, helped him prepare the plan then indicated that we would visit the site as soon as possible. Mike stopped by Tuesday afternoon and conducted the inspection. As they had indicated there were only about 25 standing trees remaining that had tree marking paint. Mike sent out approval letters.

4. Kelly Nichols (University of MD Extension Service) was on hand to talk to Board members about potential collaborative educational programs between the Board and UMD Extension. Kelly spoke about the old Forestry Seminars that were held in Frederick on a yearly basis, the last one occurring about 20 years ago. We opened it up for discussion and Mike explained how the Frederick and Washington Boards collaborated on a 4 hour Spotted Lantern Fly program last December. The program drew 50 attendees from a wide background including Arborists, Landscapers, Foresters, Master Naturalists, Master Gardner’s, and concerned citizens. Both Boards split the proceeds from this program which was about $800. The beauty of this mini program is that we did not have to provide lunch, it was easy to plan for, not much money was tied up in food, venue etc. and we were able to educate the public. Plans are underway to host another workshop on insect/tick borne diseases and possibly include the healing properties of spending time outdoors. Kelly indicated that she would be happy to help the Boards with these programs, doing things such as identifying speakers, promotion, finding venues etc. A suggestion was made to share emails and try to finalize the agenda for the upcoming workshop. We all agreed that a fall date would be best.

5. Big Tree Measuring: Claude and Bethany measured a large Basswood cultivar and a Yellow Buckeye recently. The Buckeye drew the attention of some of the staff at Catoctin Mountain Park who asked that we do not record these measurements as the Buckeye is nonnative to the area. After much discussion between Big Tree committee members the decision was made not to record the Buckeye.

6. Frederick City Tree Walk: Working with the Tourism Council Bethany has made plans to develop a walking tour within Frederick City to look at some notable trees. Bethany is in the process of developing the route, digitally recording the trees, photographing the trees, and she is working on narratives of each tree. Long term goals are to identify the tree with some sort of marker, and produce a pamphlet. More to come on this project.

7. Green Fest: Thurmont Program (April 14, 2019) Dave indicated that Dawne and Bruce would staff the booth in the morning then Lori/Keith. Bob Swartz will also be on hand to help staff the booth. Hood College Program (May 4, 2019.) Mike and Dave will be on hand to staff the booth. Mike will supply some shrubby seedlings for distribution at the event. We will place a donation jar to help fund NRCC.

8. State Association meeting poll: Mike asked members if they would consider attending the meeting on a weekday vs. weekend. Seven (7) members were in favor as long as traffic would not be a hardship.

9. Sustainability Commission: Tom mentioned that he is set to retire from the Commission in June since his 6 year term is up. Tom indicated that the Commission is participating in Middletown’s Green Fest, Hood College event, and Mother Earth News this spring.

10. Nature Notes: Dave indicated that some of our articles are being shared on Facebook which is greatly increasing distribution.

11. Web site: Dave Barrow said that the site is up to date.

12. New Business:

    • Mike mentioned that the May meeting will be at the Tea Room at Gambrill State Park