MEETING MINUTES

Wednesday, January 6, 2020

Meeting Held Through Email Due to Coronavirus Restrictions

Attendees:

Gabrielle Oldham Dori Murphy

Ron Anderson Kathie Jarmon

Michael Morgan Tom Frederick

John Bennett

Treasurer’s Report:

Current financial status was submitted to board members, and was discussed on-line.

Tom submitted the 2020 Board Budget Expenditure Report with accomplishments for the Board to review. And he submitted the updated COPCO budget report up through 2020 for the Board to review.

Update on Big Tree Program:

John reported:

In 2020, the Cecil Board volunteers--and John Hudock--measured 39 new trees.  Most of the trees are on public land--Fair Hill, ENSP, parks in Elkton.  Ten of those trees are new county champions, and one--the pignut hickory at Rosebank Cemetery--is the State co-champion.

We re-measured 8 trees due their 10 year required re-measurement.  We also elected not to re-measure 6 trees for various reasons.

Four trees died--or were taken down--in 2020:  Arboretum eastern red cedar, PMS pin oak, county champ pitch pine, and a large silver maple.  The cedar has been replaced by a larger example at Rosebank Cemetery.  We do not have a replacement for the pitch pine--the best place to look for one is at Elk Neck State Forest.  We have the State Champion pin oak, but no other examples now.  There are some potential examples along Delaware Avenue (Elkton) in front yards; someone would need to stop in and ask if the owner would allow a measurement.  The silver maple will not be particularly missed.

At the State level volunteers measured 187 new trees (Cecil had 21% of that total).  Volunteers re-measured 109 trees and 48 were reported deceased.  54 trees did not get re-measured; of those 24 did not return permission forms.  All twenty-four FB Secretaries & Chairs have been notified of the trees needing re-measurement in 2021.

We finished the year with $113 remaining in the MUCFC grant account.    

Dori responded that “2020 was a pretty good Big Tree success story. Anticipating the unveiling of the new website!”

Natural Resources Career Conference (NRCC) Update:

Gabrielle reported that we are moving ahead with plans for NRCC this Summer. However, Garrett County Board of Education is meeting January 12, they will decide then if we can hold Camp this Summer. I'm planning to attend, assuming it will be online.

Website Update:

Ron reported that he:

Added December 2020 minutes to website.

Updated agenda to Jan 2020

He also pointed out a correction to the State Big Tree website.

New Business:

Gabrielle sent out a reminder on the Ethics Form Completion.

Tom reported:

The logger didn't work much if any over the holidays at ENSP.

Since October we have received 2 Sediment & Erosion Plans.  One is on 4 acres and one is on 2 acres.  Neither has been completed yet, so there have been no final reviews.

I reported last month that Frank Lopez was retiring on January 1st.  At least for the time being, I will be the Acting Project Manager.

Next Meeting: February 3, 2021