MEETING MINUTES

 

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Black Hill Ranger Station

 

Attendees:

                                                           

Gabrielle Oldham        Kathie Jarmon

Ron Anderson             Rob Feldt

John Bennett               Tom Frederick

Michael Morgan                     

 

Treasurer’s Report:

 

Treasurer Tom Frederick gave a summary of available funds, and the members discussed what monies would be needed in future activities.

 

Introduction of Central Regional Forester:

 

Rob Feldt was selected as the new Regional Forester in October.  Rob introduced himself and answered questions from Board members.  He indicated he looked forward to working with the Boards and learning more about the issues they are handling.

 

Trainer Critical Area THP Review:

 

Tom presented the Trainer Plan to the Board including about 40 acres being harvested in the Critical Area.  A few small changes needed to be added to the Plan and the Consultant Forester will send them by email.

The Board voted 4-0 to recommend approval to Cecil County of the Plan, pending the addition of the changes.  Michael recused himself because the landowner is one of his customers.  Tom will send out the necessary documents to the appropriate people/agencies.

 

Report on State Association Meeting:

 

John and Gabrielle went over the Meeting Minutes.  The Minutes were sent out to everyone by email.  If you did not receive them, let Tom know and he will send them to you.  General report was a good meeting with some interesting presentations.  The next State Association meeting will probably be held during a week in March.

 

Update on Big Tree Program:

 

Rob will forward to John the computer specialist’s name that helps with the Tree Farm system to see if she can help with the State Big Tree website.

 

Kathie, Dori and Gabrielle will tentatively be measuring trees in Cecil County on Sunday, December 15th.

 

John went over a proposed State policy to lessen the workload of measurements of smaller trees.  The number of trees measured continues to increase and the current volunteer workforce will not be able to keep up. The Board voted to support the policy, as long as local Boards can measure trees in their County that may not meet the requirements of the State policy.  This will be taken up at the next State Big Tree committee meeting.

 

Natural Resources Careers Camp (NRCC) Update:

 

Gabrielle reported that there were 2 Mel “fellows” for the NRCC program.  One application has been received already from another County.

 

Gabrielle will try to have last year’s Cecil students to send a thank you letter to the Elkton VFW for their donation.

 

Two ACC staff will handle the Curriculum Director assignment on an alternating basis.

 

NRCC T-shirts will be available for a $25 donation.  If interested contact Gabrielle ASAP so they include your request in the order.

 

Website Update:

 

Ron presented the website to the Board.  Everyone is happy with the current website.

 

New Business:

 

Spotted Lanternfly quarantine now includes Harford and Cecil Counties.  It is pretty common in the northern part of the County.

 

Michael is the chairperson of the Holly Tree Committee again this year.

 

 

 

Next Meeting:   December 4, 2019