06/30/08 Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

White River Watershed Chapter (226) Board of Directors Meeting was held on June 30, 2008, Woodstock, VT.

Board attendees: David Eastman (President), Greg Russ (Vice-President), Ed Finley (Secretary), Scott Knapp (Treasurer), Ron Rhodes, Chris Moore, Don Hoyt, Marty Banak, Howard Trachtenberg

Absent: Bill Kopf (family emergency)

Member attendees: Curt Peterson, Bill McEachern

Following fishing and a very nice dinner in the Lodge, President Eastman opened the meeting @ 8:20 PM.

Dave began this evening by advising all that he would not be seeking re-election to the position of President when the officer nominations and elections take place later this evening. Dave explained that he has very much enjoyed his tenure as President but that he is opening a new school in the Fall of 2009 and will not have time available to do both.

Dave introduced Curt Peterson to those who did not know him and explained that Curt had taken pictures and written an article about our On-Stream Event with Tom Ames held this past June 21st. The article was published in the Vermont Standard. Curt did a fine job and received a round of applause for his efforts. It was also noted that several VT TU Council members attended our On-Stream Event following their VT TU Council Meeting.

Speaking of the VT TU Council, it was announced that our Chris Moore, has been appointed by the Council to represent Vermont on the TU National Leadership Council. Congratulations were offered to Chris.

Dave read a thank you letter that our Chapter received from the White River Partnership for our participation in their recent tree planting efforts.

While speaking of tree plantings, it was noted that there will be a Tree Planting sponsored by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) on July 19th at Plymouth State Park along one of the tributaries to the Ottauquechee River. Anyone interested in helping should get in touch with Dave Eastman for further details.

Dave then spoke of our Legislative efforts over this past year which mainly centered on helping to keep a VT House Bill regarding small hydro dams from reaching the House floor for a vote. That Bill as written had no flow controls in place and gave little if any concern for the aquatic life of the streams it would allow to be dammed. A new effort is expected this coming legislative session and we will have to be diligent.

Vice Pres Greg Russ reported on the culvert activities of the VT ANR along the Broad Brook just east of I-89. They will be constructing a rock weir to create a deeper pool at the culvert and then repairing the baffles inside the culvert. Work is scheduled to begin on July 16th and TU members are encouraged to attend and assist. Contact Greg for more details.

The Black River Action Team has made a request that we set up an information table about TU, Tree Plantings and streamside entomology at their River Fest now scheduled for September 19th. This was referred to Activities Chairman Banak for coordination.

The Ottauquechee Natural Resources Conservation District sent us a letter requesting a donation of $500 to $1,000 to help supplement their funding to allow for much needed additional Staff time. This is a quasi-governmental group and while they do good things not all of their activities are directed towards the TU mission. As an alternative it was decided that our monies would be better directed to the new Ottauquechee River Group whose activities dovetail with our TU interest. Ron Rhodes made a motion, seconded by Sec. Finley to place $250 into escrow for delivery to the Ottauquechee River Group as their similar minded needs dictate and they have secured their 501c3 IRS status. Motion carried unanimously.

Greg and Ron then distributed the White River Partnership “Didymo” pamphlets for our Board Members to assist in distributing to area Sporting Goods and Licensing facilities.

Discussion was then held concerning the establishment of a Fund Raising Committee. After considerable discussion a committee comprised of the following volunteers was formed: Chairman Chris Moore, Scott Knapp, Curt Peterson, Ron Rhodes and Don Hoyt.

The resurrection of a Chapter Newsletter was discussed and Curt Peterson offered to assist in helping to establish a regularly distributed Newsletter. It was decided to permit the new incoming President to initiate this program if he so desired.

President Dave then summarized the past years activities, which were numerous and fruitful. He thanked all who had made this a highly successful year singling out Treasurer Scott Knapp and Secretary Ed Finley for their support and efforts.

It was then time to receive nominations for the Board for the coming year. All current Board members agreed to serve for another year and were elected without opposition. The opportunity to join the Board as a member was then offered to Curt Peterson and Bill McEachern. Curt accepted the appointment. Bill had to decline as he will be out of the country for more then three months and did not feel right accepting a position and not being available to serve. Thanks to both gentlemen.

Nominations were then opened for the officer positions and Vice President Greg Russ, Treasurer Scott Knapp and Secretary Ed Finley were unopposed in seeking re-election and therefore unanimously re-elected. The position of Chapter President was then open for nominations and Chris Moore stepped forward to accept that position without opposition.

Dave once again thanked all for their support and he was given a rousing round of applause to show our appreciation for all that he has done.

Our host for the evening was thanked by all for the fine accommodations and the very good meal.

Next Meeting to be announced at the “Call of the Gavel” of President Chris Moore.

Meeting adjourned at 10:15 PM