Meeting called to order with Perry, Doc, Clark, Rhoda, Rose, Ron, & Vicki and the

staff from CONWR, Kim King-Wren, Neil Vincent & Rick Speer were present.

April minutes were motioned by Clark and 2^nd by Doc with 2 corrections, it was a 15 second not 50 second ad and the treasurer report was prepared but the

President did not bring to the meeting.

Treasurer report dated 4/30/09 was approved by Doc and 2^nd by Ron.

 New Business:

Gary Twesten, artist brought samples of nature colored 15 x 21 size pencil prints to sell at the bookstore.  The nature art includes species found on the Refuge.  These are signed limited editions of 100 available and are 100% acid free and on 100% Ph neutral paper.

Perry suggested having an inventory sample of what is available for order.  The Refuge has a display flip box for their display.  We would pay 1/3 price initially and on delivery pay the balance.  Our cost is $10 each but we would sell for a profit.  Doc inquired if we could exchange prints in inventory that did not sell for others that are available. Colleen motioned that we purchase 100 prints for $1,000.  Doc amended the motion that we obtain more information of exchanging before the purchase.  Colleen 2^nd the amendment.

Old Business:

Discussed the website and what it is lacking.  Kim will send event information to Steve who will send to the webmaster.  We will evaluate this again.

Merchandise Committee:

Discussed purchase of insect repellent, etc for the bookstore.  We need to find a wholesale distributor. 

Ron received the go ahead to reproduce the Refuge video and selling it.  Rose moved and Doc 2^nd this.

 Grant Committee:

Linda is checking on additional grants.  Colleen and Linda are working on them.

 Photo Contest Committee:

Ron is working on the photo contest and having the photos on display in the community.

 Wetlands Committee:

Blue Heron Pond project was discussed and is still in the works.

 USFWS:
Discussed the existing bike trail, funds are available provided the plans have been developed.
300 students and 20 presenters participated in the Earth Day event.
All 3 campgrounds and marina are open. Upgrades will occur at Crab Orchard marina.
Work is being done on Prairie Creek Recreation Area.
The Refuge is not getting a bunk house as was reported in the paper.
5 seasons of turkey, 27 turkeys were harvested by 50 hunters.
July is target date for Visitor’s Center Pond which will include a new trail and 6-7 concrete platforms to fish from.

Meeting adjourned at 8:25pm.  Remember your annual membership of $10.

NEXT MEETING IS THURSDAY June 4 AT 6:30PM AT THE VISITORS CENTER.