Meeting called to order at 6:35pm. 

Rose moved and Colleen 2^nd minutes approval with 2 corrections.

Colleen moved and Vicki 2^nd Treasurer report for approval.            

Old Business:

Website will be ready sometime in January.  We will look over before the public sees it.

The Bluebird Trail project was awarded money for supplies.

Colleen is sending out a letter concerning membership since it is time to renew.

We are moving along with the Bogard Point when the weather permits.

New Business:

Several members who entered photo contest are interested in a photo workshop.

Anne brought note cards of an acquaintance to sell at Visitor Center.  After discussion, we will consider selling cards of photos taken on this Refuge.

John Magera proposed a Southern Illinois Federal Lands Newsletter with USFWS, USNFS and the USACE through Shawnee College. It would be published twice a year.  Each agency has 3 pages costing $2000.  We will vote on this in February.

Committee Reports:

The paperwork is being done for the bicycle grant.

Roy will be doing surveys for Wetlands committee. Conversion of Heron Pond into a wetland should occur this summer.

Photo committee is looking to secure the same photo workshop as before.  It was suggested that the winning photos be scanned and put on the Website in the future.

USFWS report:

Some CONWR staff have retired.

Waterfowl hunts have been low.

Fewer docks will be available on Rt. 13 but moved to campground and Playport.  Only 1 marina with rental boats under the new concessionaire for 2009.

Neil reminded members to check into the Friends conference coming up in April.

Meeting adjourned at 7:45pm.   Annual membership of $10 is now due.

 Next meeting is February 7^th at the Visitor’s Center.