Friends of Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

Minutes of July 3, 2008

The meeting was called to order by Colleen Bogard at 6:39 after a short wait in hopes that Steve would come. Members present: Colleen, Ron Hamburg, Rose Howerton, Clark and Rhoda Ashby, Anne Johnson and Neil Vincent.  The minutes of the June meeting were approved after a motion by Anne, second by Clark.  Because of an item in the minutes, just approved, Colleen asked about credit card usage at the V.C. and whether the availability had brought in more business. Visitation is up but apparently we earned more in sales in 2007 than so far in 2008. Colleen requested that Rose do a comparison of sales before and after the credit card became available which was Oct. ’06.  After a brief discussion, the treasurer’s report was accepted.

 Old Business:

Web site: Rose mentioned seeing information about the bookstore of another refuge on that Friend’s group web page.  For our web page, Jan Sundberg is going to send pictures taken on Crab Orchard to Steve so he can get them on our webpage. 

 Banterra Bank:  Doc has signed the authorization card signatures on checks so that issue has been resolved.  New Business

Colleen reported a problem at Bogard Point which occurred during the recent flooding. The table on the far end was removed and put in the water in front of one of the benches.

The CCC kids have been working in that area and the problem is being fixed.

 Colleen asked that if Steve or Roy are not coming to the meeting they let the other officers know. 

She apologized for not having a complete agenda for this meeting. For the August meeting we need to have a discussion about the photo contest, which is coming up in October, and the nominating committee report should also be on the agenda.  

Refuge report:

The road project realigning Pigeon Creek Rd has started.

A new maintenance foreman from Wisconsin has been hired.

Power and water is on to Crab Orchard campground and work continues at Devil’s Kitchen and Crab Orchard Marina.

One immature eagle has been sighted in the nest at Wolf Creek; one fledged from Crab Orchard bay but one of the nests has been damaged by the high winds.

Devil’s Kitchen has a host working 4 days per week. There are 8 tent sites ready.

The refuge is under new directives which prohibit volunteers from using  refuge computers without a thorough background check.

 Meeting adjourned at 7:35.  Next meeting:  August 7 at 6:30.   

 Submitted by Anne Johnson