MEETING MINUTES

 

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Black Hill Ranger Station

 

Attendees:

                                   

Gabrielle Oldham                    Dori Murphy

Ron Anderson                         Kathie Jarmon

John Bennett                          

Guest Kevin Schaus

 

Kevin Schaus:

Gabrielle introduced Kevin as the NRCC Intern hired to promote attendance at Natural Resources Career Camp thru a Mel Grant.  Kevin presented a two page list of various outreach groups and individuals that could be contacted to attract potential NRCC students in Cecil County.  (Tom, I left Kevin’s list on your desk).  The Board discussed some of the past history and impediments to attracting students.  Gabrielle volunteered to follow thru on some of Kevin’s suggestions.  The Board suggested a few outreach ideas, such as contacting NorthBay, not on Kevin’s list.  Members also suggested several State newsletters, such as Forestry for the Bay and the Maryland Cooperative Extension Service Branching Out publication.  It was noted that the county fair takes place the same week as NRCC, which limits 4H and other service groups’ involvement.                 

                                                           

 

Cecil Big Tree Program Update:

Submitted by John Bennett

--One tree, a blackjack oak, was measured in December by John and Dori.  It scored 167 points, became the new county champion, and is #2 on the State list.

--John gave Ron an updated list of 22 trees that are either new Cecil County champions or are deceased so that Ron can update the website.

--John presented a summary of Cecil County big tree work in 2016.  34 trees were either measured or re-measured.  Volunteers drove 221 miles during 5 work days to accomplish this work. 

 

Website Update:

Submitted by Ron Anderson

--The Board reviewed the “new look” website on line and were very pleased with the results.  The Board spent the bulk of the time reviewing the photos and text on the NRCC page and made a few minor suggestions.  The home page was also reviewed and one suggestion was made regarding the language in the last paragraph.  Ron agreed to make these changes.  It was suggested that photos and text be added concerning the Board’s participation in the Elk Neck State Forest Arboretum project.

 

New Business:

--The Board discussed the MUCFC funding application submitted by Wildlife Habitat Council for   tree ID signs to be installed at Woodlawn.  Ron asked why the group was based in Silver Spring, and John explained what he knew about how this group operates.  Gabrielle asked who had ID’ed the trees, and John said he had done so.   The Board voted unanimously to recommend approval.  John will sign the application on behalf of the Board and forward it to the grants chair with the notation that this is not a Board work project, only one supported by the Board for purposes of funding.

 

--The Board reviewed the invitation to join the Cecil County Partners in Conservation and a draft letter John had prepared.  Gabrielle explained that permission to join would have to come from State Forester Don VanHassent, but that individual Board members could join as private citizens.  The Board voted unanimously to send the letter to Don.  Gabrielle agreed to sign and send it.  3 members indicated they would attend as private citizens and John agreed to RSVP to the group with an explanation of the status of the Board’s participation.  The first meeting of this group will be on Wednesday, January 18th, at 7:00 p.m. at West Nottingham Academy.

 

--Individual Board members discussed their Christmas activities.  Kathie and husband had traveled to Asheville, NC, to visit the Biltmore Estate with their Christmas decorations. 

 

--John reminded the Board that Anne Hairston-Strang was now the new Associate Director of Forestry, a first for a woman in Maryland forestry.

 

--John briefly mentioned the purchase of 180 acres in Elk Neck by the State to be added to Elk Neck State Park.  He also mentioned the results of the recent County Council action related to the adoption of the Tier Map.

 

--The Board discussed the issues regarding a February meeting and voted unanimously to not hold a public meeting in February unless a timber harvest plan or other such business required a meeting.

 

--The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.