MEETING MINUTES

Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Black Hill Ranger Station

Attendees:

Gabrielle Oldham Dori Murphy

Ron Anderson Kathie Jarmon

Michael Morgan Jasmine Brown

John Bennett Tom Frederick

Treasurer’s Report:

Members present discussed available funds and what projects would need money this year.

Update on Big Tree Program:

John went over the 2020 Statewide re measurement status. Cecil is doing ok and John said he can handle many of the re measurements as he has time, now that he can photograph the trees. He also presented photos of some recent trees measured in Cecil. Trees were measured in ENSP and Fair Hill.

Natural Resources Career Conference (NRCC) Update:

So far 19 students have applied statewide. Slightly lower than at this time last year. We need to get a thank you presentation to the Elkton VFW for last year’s students. Gabrielle has contacted them, but hasn’t received a response yet. Ron will talk to his contact.

Jasmine Brown, a Mel Noland “fellow” intern for the NRCC, attended to discuss ways to advertise for students. Many ideas were discussed including newspaper advertisements, organizational newsletters and direct contact with officers of agencies and organizations.

Michael will take some brochures to the Cecil Co Voc-Tech Career Day he is attending.

Gabrielle will try to get an article in the Whig.

Website Update:

Ron added last month’s minutes and this month’s agenda. He updated some County Big Tree Champions.

He also requested some updated photos from Gabrielle at recent NRCC Camps.

Ron would like more information on the “Completed Projects” section. John and Gabrielle will do some work gathering information on the past Tree ID Trail projects.

New Business:

John will be attending the “Cabin Fever” Event in Elkton again this year. Kathie will assist with manning the display. He will be making some new display materials. Dori will help with some photos if needed.

The Board agreed to have a display again this year at St. Mary Anne’s Garden Show.

Gabrielle and John will be attending the State Association Meeting on March 5, 2020.

Michael attended the Shade Tree Symposium in Lancaster, PA recently. Interesting subjects included Old Growth Forests and Spotted Lanternfly Issues from ground zero for this pest.

Tom gave an update on the ENSP Salvage Harvest. The logger will hopefully be starting within the next week or two. He also went over the guidelines provided by the US Fish and Wildlife Service concerning the Bald Eagle nest in the area.

Tom informed the Board that Bryan Lightner is working with Marian Honeczy to get a Tree City, USA designation for the County. The Forestry Board is being listed as the required “tree board” in the application. The Board may want to be involved if there is an award event.

Tom informed the Board that the 7 acre buffer planting will be happening soon at Bohemia River State Park. This is being funded by County Critical Area mitigation funds.

Tom announced that Phil Hager has been appointed as Assistant Secretary of DNR for Land Resources. This is the position that the State Forester reports to as their supervisor.

Next Meeting: April 1, 2020