FRIENDS OF CRAB ORCHARD MEETING MINUTES 8/67/09

Meeting called to order by Doc with Clark, Rhoda, Rose, Ron, Rosalita, Dave G.,
Laurel (1st time), Vicki and the staff from CONWR, Kim and Dan in attendance.

July minutes were motioned by Rose and 2nd by Vicki.
Treasurer report was motioned by Dave and 2nd by Vicki.  Credit card sales have increased and amount to nearly as much as the cash sales.
Old Business:
October 1 is our annual meeting and election of officers.  An election committee of Doc & Colleen was motioned by Dave & 2nd by Ron.
Rose motioned & Dave 2nd that we not accept any direct payments to our vendors from our bank account.
The website was discussed and it was decided that we will continue with the same vendor & process.  We have a signed contract.
Clean-up continues on the storm damage.  It has amounted to 4.9 million in expenses.  Crews from other regions were brought in primarily for tree removal.  Trails have suffered.  Work on ditches has begun to help prevent flooding.  Campground Loop D was hit the hardest.  No fatalities to report.  Calls continue to come in about public access.
New Business:
We lost one of our dearest members, Joan Frank.   Contributions to Joan’s memorial are for her grandson’s college fund. 
Rose motioned & Vicki 2nd that we wait until next election to replace Joan’s position.
Merchandise Committee:
Ron reported on new items for the store.  The wildlife t-shirts are selling great.
Bicycle Committee:
Trail has many fallen trees and work will occur in priority of safety & need.
Wetland Committee:
Repairs are in progress from storm.  Refuge is waiting on funds to proceed.
Photo Contest Committee:
Ron has flyer for 2009.  The request will be to have photos from this refuge.  Ron contacted Illinois Centre Mall to display.  Contest will occur during Oct. Refuge week
Grant Committee:
Two meetings have occurred.  Linda is pursuing to create a mini arboretum at Martha’s Theater through the Project Learning Tree grant.  It is hoped Carterville School with serve as the school partner.  Another grant for bike trails will be considered.
USFWS:
Sam Hamilton, the new USFWS Director visited CONWR recently.
Controlled burn will occur 2 weeks prior to the Sept. dove season. 
Sept. 19 is the fall clean-up.  Sept. 19 & 26 is the annual butterfly round-up.
Hunting & Fishing Days is Sept. 26 & 27.
The marina has a new motor for the hoist.

Meeting adjourned at 7:35pm.  Remember your annual membership of $10.

NEXT MEETING IS 9/3/09 AT 6:30PM AT THE VISITORS CENTER.