The meeting was called to order by Perry Young at 6:35 pm. Members present: Clark and Rhoda Ashby, Colleen Bogard, Ron Hamburg, Rose Howerton, Joe Kretsch, Doc Schaede, and Neil Vincent.

Minutes of the February meeting: approved (Rose, Ron) with the clarification that the damaged covers over a set of docks were to be removed, not the docks themselves.

Treasurers Report: In connection with her report Rose noted that sales are down. Treasurers report was accepted (Ron, Clark)

Old Business:
National Friends Conference: Colleen, Rosalita, and Neil attended. Neil reported over 400 people attended representing Friends groups of 1 person to 1000 members in size. Some of the larger groups build membership by enrolling tourists who visit the area by putting a membership application in a book bag, etc. Concerns about how to get people to join and how to get them to meetings were the same for all Friends groups. A wide variety of topics were covered, some in break-out sessions; if more from our group went to the meeting we could benefit from more of the sessions.

        Neil made contacts that may lead to matching grants for the bike trail. Colleens primary interest was making the bookstore more effective. There may be a regional meeting of Friends groups in the future.
        Doc asked about funding for next year. Neil replied that five million dollars for clean-up had been pulled from the Stimulus package. It does include lots of highway money which may be used for boat ramps, parking lots, etc. The President signed an act for three billion for the Dept. of Interior to create jobs. There will be $165,000 more for youth programs for the Region.

        Little Grassy Campground will be run this year by a not-for-profit group with educational and interpretive programs. The Refuge may put a bookstore there and split the profit.
        Colleen noted that the bookstore is far enough away from retail outlets that sunscreen, insect repellent, water, etc. could be sold. The soda machine takes up one corner of the bookstore and generated only $179 in sales last year. Rose moved that we terminate the soda machine and use the space for other merchandise. Colleen seconded the motion and it passed.

New Business: Perry noted that the cost for credit card services will increase by $9.95 per month. It was felt that all companies will have that increase but that some might be cheaper overall than the one we have for which the 1-year lease has expired. The monthly credit card charges have ranged from 7.08 to 12.96%. Steve, Perry, and Skip will re-evaluate our choice of company. Rose noted that our current company has been prompt in getting our money to us.

        Ron showed two 15 second TV commercials (flower walks, Earth Day) to be shown on a rotating schedule 28 times per month on WSIL for a cost of $854 per month. They include information about the Friends, the Web site and the bookstore. Colleen (Clark) moved that we try it for the month of April. Passed. It was noted that our Web site, especially the home page, is mediocre and the maintenance could be better.

        Ron had composed a picture with a bookstore sign under the lighted Refuge sign. Neil thought that would be acceptable and will check with Dan. There was discussion about whether the Refuge should make the sign locally or the Friends pay to have it done outside. Given time restraints outside seemed the better choice. Ron will look into prices. Rose (Ron) moved that we authorize payment up to $500 for a sign printed on both sides. Passed.

        Rose (Doc) moved that we set aside $1500 for school bus reimbursement with a limit of $100 per bus. Passed. Colleen and Neil have contacts for possible grants for transportation.

        Colleen had information about a North American Association for Environmental Education conference. Neil said there is an Illinois association of which the Crab Orchard Refuge is a member. An environmental education specialist, Kim, will be joining the Refuge staff. F&W has two foci for environmental education: get kids in the woods and utilize new technology that will appeal to kids. One idea is setting up an unstructured/unsupervised area of about 500 acres.

Committee Reports:
Merchandise - covered earlier in the meeting
Wetlands - Doc: The geese have gone north and ducks are coming in from the south.
Photo Contest - Ron: The contest will be in September.

Refuge Report - Neil: Dan is at the Regional Office consulting about possible improvements to the Refuge.
        Crab Orchard Campground will open April 1^st . The sites are being upgraded so that all will face the lake and each will have its own electric breaker.
        Crab Orchard Marina: new pedestals with meters are being installed for the houseboats. The Golconda Job Crew will be providing the electric service, chain saw work, etc. at no cost.
        Boat & Yacht Club: Some dock anchors pulled out. The docks will be straightened and redecked.
        Grassy Campground: Land for Learning will open the campground May 1^st . The former managers home is in poor shape and will be torn down.

Devils Kitchen Campground: F&W will run the campground and it will open in April.
        Rick, the new Assistant Manager, is experienced and a good fit for the Refuge.
        There is a new eagle nest in Grassy Bay on Crab Orchard Lake.
        F&W will have no provision for campground reservations on the Internet. They would have had to pay an outside organization $3 - $9 per night for each reservation.
        Clark noted that sailboat rigging dock at the Crab orchard Marina needs repair. He recommended to straighten it while the repairs were being made by taking out the dog leg. That would have the advantages of lengthening it and getting it farther away from the breakwater, both of which would make it easier and safer for the sailors to use. Neil made a note of the recommendation.

Meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm. Next meeting: April 2, 2009 at 6:30.
        Submitted by Rhoda Ashby