Executive Committee Minutes, Montana SAF

January 19, 2001

Templins Resort - Post Falls, Idaho

Attendees:  Dave Stack, Steve Hayes, John Ottman, Scott Kuehn, Fred Ebel, Bob Sturdevant, Jake Besmer, and Elisa Stamm. 

Dave called the meeting to order at 3:30 pm and welcomed all present who were attending the 2001 “Inland Empire/Montana Leadership Conference” in Post Falls, Idaho.

The Minutes from the December 15, 2000 meeting were reviewed.  Dave made a motion to accept the minutes as written and Scott seconded the motion.  All those present approved the previous minutes as written.

Steve Hayes presented a detailed financial report with budget for the year, 2000, and another 6 Year Historical Budget (1995-1999).  The historical budget compared income and expenses for each year as well as the average per year.  Contact Steve Hayes or Holly McKenzie is anyone is interested in obtaining copies of either financial report.  The balance in the check book is $1,247.64, split between the Guth and Memorial Funds ($306.11) and the operating balance ($941.53).  There is also $2,735.88 in the U of M Scholarship fund. 

Chapter Reports:

U. of  M. Student Chapter: The student chapter has been scheduling a meeting every other Thursday and these have been attended by approximately 15 people, depending upon whether the meeting is a business meeting or guest speaker meeting. 

Flathead Chapter: The last meeting was the Christmas Dinner and Scholarship fundraiser in Whitefish.  About 25 members and spouses attended with a wintry blizzard outside.  The scholarship auction was a success again and raised $895 for the University of Montana and our local community college, FVCC.  The next meeting is scheduled for January 30^th and the guest speaker is Mike Jostrom of Plum Creek Timber Company.  Mike will discuss the Habitat Conservation Plan for native fishes. 

Missoula Chapter: The chapter held their first annual meeting in January and discussed membership issues.   The “Missoula Trust” also spoke to the Chapter to drum up support, membership, and money for their organization. 

Eastside Chapter: No Report

Libby Chapter:  No Report

Committee Reports:

Communications: 

Bev couldn’t make the meeting but sent a reminder that she is updating and maintaining the State SAF Website in cooperation with the University. 

Newsletter: 

Cait Falkner is still seeking interested parties to take over the publication of the State SAF Newsletter.  She and her family will be gone overseas for at least 18 months and the April letter will be the last one she can publish for us.   Steve Hayes is now mailing the newsletter with bulk rate postage out of Missoula which saves SAF around $250-$300 per mailing.  

Policy: 

Gordy Sanders, Patrick Heffernan, and Dave Stack met with Judy Martz to discuss SAF and how we would assist with forest science and policy information regarding forest management issues.  SAF position statements: Dave Stack submitted a “Letters to the Editor” for several statewide newspapers regarding the Roadless Debate.  Many USFS “Forest Plans” come up for review soon and road policy should be based upon decisions made through the Forest Planning Process and not at the federal level. 

Forests For Humanity:

The longer version tape (1/2 hour) of the blitz build and Missoula habitat home was finished and available for review.  Gail and her children are still not in the home because lack of funds has prevented the completion of the house.  A local  T.V. [KPAX] station aired a brief segment on the family and the plumbing and electricity were finished by locals who donated time and money.   An anonymous money donor and Gail’s church group have made it possible to finish the insulation and drywall this month.  It will cost $3,000-4,000 to install a furnace and ductwork (the last real expense on the project).

New Business:

            Steve Hayes and Dave Stack are planning to attend the National Meeting in Denver this September.  They are asking each Chapter to bring forth new issues that may require changes through a vote when the House of Society Delegates are in session at the meeting.  

            We have 5 members who will receive recognition and certificates this year for being involved with SAF for 50 years!!!  These guys should get a pat on the back if you  run into them; they are: Gene Yahvah (Libby Chapter), Bob Van Giesen, Ernie Corrick, Paul Kipp, and Ed Heilman (Missoula and Eastside Chapters). 

Old Business:

            The next State SAF Meeting will be held by the Eastside Chapter and will feature the theme of “Fire Restoration”.  A date and time have not been set at this point as they are having difficulty securing a conference center and adequate motel space.  The meeting will most likely be held in Helena or Fairmont Hot Springs. 

Next Meeting:

            The next Executive Committee meeting will be held at 9:30 am on Friday - February 23, 2001.  The location of the meeting is at the Plum Creek office on Russell Street in Missoula.  If you have any questions about the meeting, contact Steve Hayes (406) 542-3281 or Dave Stack (406) 543-4138. 

Dave adjourned the January 19^th meeting at 5:00 pm.

Minutes submitted by Secretary, Holly McKenzie.