Montana SAF Executive Committee Meeting
April 17, 1998

Attendees: Frank Cuff, Russ Gautreaux, Jim Benedict, Warren Appelhans, Bryan Donner, Ed Lieser, Sam Gilbert, Dan Pitman, Glenn Koepke, Dale Kerkvliet, Tony Liane, Lars Halstrom, Dave Delsordo.

* Critical Issues Forum - Reviewed the results of the brainstorming session held at the annual state meeting. Focused on the membership response to the segment on ' Vision for the Future SAF'. The results basically mirrored the current three tenets of the Montana Vision Statement: 1) Montana SAF will be an organization of informed professionals dedicated to scientifically based reasonable management and conservation of all forest resources; 2) Montana SAF will have active, visible involvement of the membership in all major current forestry issues; and 3) Montana SAF will be committed to providing leadership in the education of the public on the issues and opportunities of resource management. Note: Sam Gilbert suggested we reword the last statement to suggest that we communicate with the public rather than try to educate. Also the executive committee is considering the addition of a fourth vision statement to include the need to communicate the responsibility of professional foresters in managing lands on the basis of the landowner objectives.

*Dick Guth Memorial - In keeping with the intent of Mr. Guth's family for his memorial fund, the executive committee is considering the establishment of a self-sustaining special account that could be used to begin funding efforts in the communications area. We feel this would be a natural means to continue the type of public outreach that Dick was such an advocate for. The other option considered this as a means to fund a scholarship to the Natural Resources Youth Camp.

* Communications Chair - No one individual has volunteered to chair this very important vacancy in our executive committee. Several individuals are willing to assist, including Dave Stack, Betty Munis, Kris Backes, and Pat Heffernan. Bryan noted that the Flathead chapter has a communications chair that could work with other chapter chairs. The executive committee made a proposal to consider that the outgoing State chair assume the role of communications chair. It was suggested this committee also include a university representative. Folks were reminded to contact Jennifer Plyer (sp), the National Office commications chair for additional ideas and technical support.

* Communications Seed Money - The group brainstormed ideas on sources of money to initiate a communications fund. These include: the idea of starting a Montana Forester's Fund, the Dick Guth memorial, chapter fund raisers, a one time dues rebate, use of state meeting proceeds (including a silent auction), corporate sponsors, FS grants, a one time diversion from our funding of scholarships, other National SAF matching funds, the purchase/sale of Montana artwork, alumni fund, etc.

Initially this money would be used to hire a private consultant to develop an effective communications plan, offset printing/publishing cost of the membership handbook, the sponsorship of a symposium or forum for the public with joint sponsorship with another professional society, meeting or breakfast with legistlators, informational videos, kiosks and/or posters.With financial support, future state meetings could consider greater involvement of the public and area students. It was also felt that we should consider the use of interviews with National Office staff or communications specialists to further our communication outreach.

*Dr. Peter Koch - The executive committee will be in contact with Scott Kuehn and Chuck Keegan to see if the Forest Products Society would be interested in co-sponsoring a memorial display in the Forest History Museum in Dr. Koch's honor. This could be the beginning of a 'Hall of Fame' type of display.

*Newsletter - Frank handed out a draft of the upcoming SAF newsletter for review and comment.

*General - Sam would like a record of the past state Forester of the Year recipients for inclusion in a state SAF handbook. Dick Guth was compiling this at one time.

*Montana Natural Resources Youth Camp - Glenn Koepke is no longer representing SAF on the board of directors, due to other committments. He strongly suggests that members take a more active interest in the camp. A public open house is scheduled on July 29 with the camp running the week of 7/26-8/5.

*Forest Stewardship Council - A number of SAF members attended the meeting in Missoula that was arranged by Steve Thompson. Ed Lieser was asked to be an SAF representative on the Council.