Friends of Crab Orchard Minutes of 2/05/09 Print

FRIENDS OF CRAB ORCHARD MEETING MINUTES 2/05/09 

 

Meeting called to order at 6:30pm with Steve, Doc, Ron, Anne, Rose, Clark, Rhoda, Roy, Charles Harris, Colleen, Rosalita, Vicki, and Neil from CONWR in attendance. 

December minutes were motioned by Anne and 2nd by Roy for approval.

 

Approval of treasurer report was motioned by Colleen and 2nd by Vicki.  Rose stated that 26% of sales are done with credit card showing the machine has paid for itself.

 

Old Business:

National Friends conference is 3/21-23/09.  Colleen and Rosalita will attend on behalf of the Friends.  Approximately 500 Friends members and 200 USFWS staff will attend.

 

We have completed our part with the Modern Woodsman grant.  They are currently working on the news release.

 

Steve requests all members to view the website periodically and give input.  Ron suggests being able to connect from CONWR to the Friends just as you are able to connect from the Friends to CONWR.  Ron was not able to link to our mission statement.

 Merchandise Committee Report:

Ron reported the purchase of new books, zippered hoodies and shirts for the bookstore.

 

We are looking into ways to advertise.   Ron researched the newspaper is very costly.  He can get 28 spots for 15 seconds on TV for $800.  After discussion, Vicki motioned and Roy 2nd for Ron to develop a sample of commercials to air in April.  We will review at the March meeting.

 

Bike Committee Report:

Roy brought in the plans for the Refuge that he has been working on.  It includes 6.25 miles of trail which will include crossing 3 major creeks and a parking area. 

Wetlands Committee report:

Roy completed survey at Heron Pond.

 

Doc was pleased with the waterfowl numbers this year.  He suggested that the Refuge and others to take photos.  The waterfowl counts showed 23,000 as the high count and 12,000 as the low count of geese.  The ducks were abundant.  The observation platform was heavily visited this season.

 Grant Committee Report:

The committee is working on finding grants. 

USFWS report:

First issue of Connect US (Federal Lands free guide) is available and has been distributed.  They are starting to work on the spring/summer issue.

April 17th is the Earth Day event.  CONWR is expecting 20-24 speakers.  Rose motioned and Roy 2nd the purchase of a new earth day t-shirt and lunch for the speakers.

 

There is $280 in the Kids Fishing Derby account.  Neil will let us know what else will be needed.  Dicks Sporting will help sponsor.  It is set for June 13 at Prairie Creek. 

 

Several grants were submitted and only 2 were approved including $8,000 for Hunting and Fishing Days and $2,700 for the Federal Lands guide.

 

The split rail fence suggestion will not be feasible due to its high maintenance.

 

Dan is at the regional office this week.

 

New Deputy Manager, Rick Speers is in place.  The replacement for the Park Ranger Supervisor will be transferring from New Mexico after next month.

 

Wave breaker contract at the Marina is finished.

 

The covered docks at the Marina will be removed due to the damage from the snowstorm.

 

Meeting adjourned at 7:55pm.  Annual membership of $10 is due.   Checks can be made payable to the Friends of Crab Orchard.

 

REMINDER THAT THE MINUTES WILL BE E-MAILED TO THOSE WE HAVE ADDRESSES FOR.  COPIES WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE MEETING.

 

 NEXT MEETING IS March 5, 2009 AT 6:30 PM AT VISITOR’S CENTER