MSAF
Awards
Need a new chair for 2005.
National field forester candidate suggested by B.Hasse --Karen Gardner of
International Paper (Goodman Tract). Several past awards have not yet been
delivered. An informal and local event might be the ticket to presenting
these awards. This worked well in Newberry with Eino Saino's 50 year award.
Leadership
Academy
Positive comments by both D.Dickmann and J.Grossman. Don noted a conspicuous
absence of information on the national website and will check on that. Michigan
is prepared to send an individual to the 2005 academy, if one is held. B.Hubbard
noted that the SAF Council had not eliminated Leadership Academy support.
D.Howlett is vice-chair, but has participated in these events in the past
and suggested we send another MSAF member.
Michigan
Forester
Next deadline is 4 February, but that will need to be extended.
Publication remains solvent, but more ad revenue would be helpful.
Suggestion: publish an MSAF "who's who in 2005" in the next edition.
Suggestion: promote D.Dickmann's new publication "Michigan Forest Communities",
MSU Extension publication E-300.
Spring
2005 Statewide MSAF Conference
Theme: Forest impacts of deer
An ad hoc U.P. planning team has met once to develop the theme
and prepare a rough outline/agenda for the conference. B.Cook agreed to
head the speaker selection process, with help from the U.P. planning team.
B.Cook recommended Dr. Gary Alt as the keynote speaker
and session presenter. Dr. Alt is a nationally recognized leader in promoting
an ecosystem-based approach to targeting deer population levels. His career
has mostly been with the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Dr. Alt's fees and
expenses may run as high as $3000 and Cook wanted Executive Team approval
before engaging Dr. Alt.
A motion was made by B.Hasse for the MSAF to fund Dr.
Alt up to $3000. Seconded by J.Grossman. Discussion involved Dr. Alt's perspectives
and qualifications. Funding can probably come from registration fees, although
this might mean an additional $20/head with an attendance of 150 people.
D.Heym emphasized the need to have a keynoter focus on Michigan, not just
experience from Pennsylvania.
B.Cook also asked for direction in expanding the conference
target audiences to include interest groups such as the media, selected
legislative members, the natural resources commission, MUCC, and similar
groups. The topic and high profile keynoter may draw a larger than normal
audience. No motion was requested or made, but the consensus was to move
in this direction.
Fall
2005 Statewide MSAF Conference
Q.McNichols submitted notes from a 2004 LP Chapter meeting. Possible topics:
family forests (PNIF), forest health (EAB, BBD, exotics, climate change,
etc.), forest taxation.
Budget
2005
The Executive Team discussed 2005 budget items using a spreadsheet prepared
by Jack Pilon. Estimated revenue was $6015 and budgeted expenses were $7390
(with the knowledge that not all expenses will be expended). D.Dickmann
will forward the proposed budget to J.Pilon. A motion was made by
J.Ferris to accept the proposed 2005 budget, and seconded by L.Homan. All
in favor, none opposed. Motion carried.
Other
Items
The MSAF needs to notify national of our 2005 leadership.
Membership
--The MSAF has 498 members as of December, 2004 (significant downward trend).
--J.Grossman had compiled purge lists from 2001-2004 for recruitment opportunities.
--Maybe use the Spring State Conference as a recruitment tool.
State forest certification - audit scheduled by the end of September, 2005
Must add Jason Mittlestat and Chris Burnett to Executive Team email list
D.Dickmann presented items from the national Volunteer Organizational Structure
(VOS) Task Force report that requested input from State Societies and were
discussed by the Executive Team. D.Dickmann will prepare comments and forward
to national.
B.Cook
had to leave the meeting prior to adjournment.
These
minutes prepared by B.Cook, 4 February, 2005
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