NCAMN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 13, 2016
GASTON VISITOR CENTER
BULL SHOALS WHITE RIVER STATE PARK
Meeting began 10:05
Present: Anne Criss, Sue Hoeper, Anita Hayden, Ginger Turk, Rebecca Carabelas, Susan Britt, Diane Mongno; Guest member: Dwan Garrison
OLD BUSINESS:
TREASURER’S REPORT: Sue reported we have a $14,872.43 balance. NCAMN has 95 members whom have all paid their 2016 dues. We are now in a calendar fiscal year. Information on NCAMN calendar year will go on the AMN report.
UPDATE ON N.I.T CLASSES:Presently there are 30 NiTs signed on for the 2016 training. An addition to the website will be made that our chapter training is full. Ginger reported that the printing for the NiT binders has been done and will be assembled today. Nametags are also completed. Ginger will get all the bios for the trainings and will email them to the MCs. She will also order the field guides for the training. Plans were reviewed for breakfast and lunch that will be provided on the first day of the training, January 16th.
RECREATIONAL HIKE SCHEDULE:Rebecca has been planning recreational hikes for the chapter. Four hikes have been planned for the following months:
Jan. 21st@10:00- White River Bluff Loop at Syllamo Mt Bike Trail,South of Calico Rock
Feb. 2nd@10:00 - Gordon’s Hike II, Ozark’s Highland’s Trail-Brush Creek, Gordon’s House in NorforkMarch 29th@12:00- Spring at Baker’s Prairie,Baker’s Prairie Natural Area,Harrison
February 14th@1:00 - Valentine’s Day Recreational Hike, Big Bluff Trail,BSWR State Park
David’s Trail Maintenance: Marti Frazier and Ed Toscano will take over the maintenance of the trail. The Corp of Engineers is also responsible for some maintenance on the trail.
The Past Perfect Committee: New members are needed for this committee to archive the artifacts in BSWRSP. Susan Britt has volunteered to chair this committee.
NEW BUSINESS
Advanced Trainings: Susan Britt shared the advanced trainings for the months to come.
Kevin Goodwin at Blanchard Springs would like to put in a pollinator garden there. This would be a one time assisting situation for MN volunteers.
There will be a short general meeting on Saturday, February 6th from 8:45 to 9:30, before the advanced training. Ginger will organize the hosts for the advanced trainings.
Strategic Planning Meeting for AMN: – Ginger and Rebecca will attend the meeting where they willshare the needs for our chapter, as well as other chapters in Arkansas. They will discuss how our organization grows throughout the state and how interested groups can be assisted in starting their own chapters. They will discuss how to support the start up chapters and assist them so that the chapters become strong. Perhaps someone from another chapter who has previously set up trainings can assist the new startups. The startup chapters need that guidance and support to ensure the successful beginning and continuation of the chapters. Perhaps someone at the state level can oversee and assist/mentor the start ups to ensure their success. They will also discuss the upcoming Bioblitz.
Orders for NCAMN: Rebecca will put in an order for T-shirts for Nits and other members soon after the training begins. Anne discussed ordering NCAMN patches that can be sold, and also bumper stickers and vanity plates for cars. Anne will follow up on this.
TIMELINE FOR SATURDAY MORNING: Anne shared the timeline for the morning of the first NiT training class.
ITEMS FROM THE FLOOR:
FUTURE MEETING DATES:
Tuesday, February 9th - Knox Meeting Room B, Baxter County Library 10:00 – 12:00
Tuesday, March 8th–to be announced
Tuesday, April 12th – BSWRSP 1:00 – 3:00
Tuesday, May 3rd – BSWRSP 1:00 – 3:00
Meeting adjourned – 11:30