FRIENDS OF CRAB ORCHARD MEETING MINUTES 11/06/08

Meeting called to order at 6:35pm with Steve, Doc, Dave G, Anne, Clark, Rhoda, and Vicki and Neil from the Refuge in attendance. 

October minutes were motioned by Clark and 2^nd by Doc for approval.

Treasurer report was motioned by Anne and 2^nd by Dave.

The migratory hunting permit of $300 will be paid soon.  There will be 20 blinds for the goose draw.

Old Business:

National Friends conference is February 21-23, 2009.  We are awaiting invitations.

For the election of Officers we need to drop David Kenney and add Perry Young.  Dave motioned and Anne 2^nd.  A copy of the updated list will be available at the next meeting.

Steve reported on the gifts given from the Friends for the USFWS employee classes held at the Refuge last month.

The trees were planted from the Woodsman grant.  Neil will coordinate so the media can be aware when the benches are put in.

Steve asked for members to continue to review our website and give input.

New Business:

Steve generated a letter to send to the newly elected politicians in the area.  It is to congratulate them and invite them as a “Friend”.

Friends will pay for the 2^nd printing of the public lands newsletter.  Neil will submit a matching grant.  It was agreed that this newsletter can go on our website.

Jennifer from the Refuge and the new member, Linda who will help with grants still need to get together to work on future grants. 

Guest and independent wildlife biologist John Palis is looking for volunteers to help with a frog survey on 2 ponds.  This is with an IDNR grant but on Refuge property.  If interested please contact:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Dan returned from Headquarters.  They were receptive to what CONWR needs are.  There are 11 vacant positions and have been ranked in order of necessity.

Flood disaster money may be available after the damage to most of the campground.

Proposals put out for concessions on Refuge. Current ones are asked to stay another year.

Visitor Center Pond has been drained and the muck will be put on field north of the V.C.  to create habitat for a butterfly garden.  Fish from the pond were relocated to the lake.

Building at Pirate’s Cove ready to be torn down.

Meeting adjourned at 7:30pm, Clark motioned and Dave 2^nd.

 NEXT MEETING IS DECEMBER 4, 2008 AT 6:30 PM AT VISITOR’S CENTER