Meeting called to order by State Chair, Frank Cuff.

Present Were: Russ Gautreaux, Frank Cuff, Sam Gilbert, Ed Leiser, Dick Guth, Melissa Squire, Bonner Armstrong, Dale Kerkvliet, Bryan Donner, Glenn Koepke, Rebecca Hendrix, Dennis Davaz, Lars Halstrom, Warren Applehans, Anthony Liane, Michelle Ann Landuyt

Minutes from last meeting had been mailed out to the executive committee and posted on the SAF home page.

Old Business

Frank handed out a copy of the 1998 Vision Statement and Action Plan for the Montana SAF. It reads as follows:

1998 Montana SAF Vision Statement

The Montana SAF will be an organization of informed professionals dedicated to scientifically-based reasonable management and conservation of all forest resources.

The Montana SAF will have active, visible involvement of the membership in all major current forestry issues.

The Montana SAF will be committed to providing leadership in the education of the public on the issues and opportunities of resource management.

1998 Montana Executive Committee Action Plan

Action Plan Updates: Frank highlighted some changes and progress made to the action plan since it was presented at the Leadership Academy in January:

Tim Love has submitted comments on the Interior Columbia River Basin DEIS on behalf of the Montana SAF. These comments are considered a position statement and must be approved by the National Office. The involvement of Montana SAF representatives (Dan Pittman, Sam Gilbert, and Tim Love) in the ICRB effort will continue as the process evolves further.

Frank has been in contact with some of the individuals being considered for the vacancy in our communications committee. Brian Quinn, Kevin O'Hara, Pat Heffernan, Kris Backes and Dave Stack were the names mentioned to assist in carrying out this important role. Frank sent them a 'job description' for review and would like to see a few of these individuals take on some of the responsibilities.

Plans for the SAF Centennial is being coordinated with the National Office. Focus of this effort will be in Missoula (Historical Museum) with Scott Kuehn and the Historical Museum Committee. The National Office would like to see all State Societies work on this event and recommend using the services of an archivist and historian to see this through.

Cait Faulkner, from the Libby Chapter, will begin working with Dick Guth as co-editor of our newsletter. The costs of producing the newsletter should come down considerably in the coming years as we move away from the substantial expense of publishing and mailing the newsletter and towards the increased use of electronic mailing.

Ed Leiser handed out copies of the draft Membership Handbook that was modeled after a successful effort in Michigan. It would be a useful means of communicating with our membership and the public on the tenets of responsible forest stewardship. It will contain recent position statements, state by-laws, SAF protocol, lists of professional contacts, relevant web sites, forestry education activities, etc. The executive committee needs to follow through on revising the state by-laws that were last updated in 1988. A discussion of how best to distribute this handbook to the membership occurred. Being that the handbook will be updated annually, we are concerned about the mailing costs. In the future, we will likely use the SAF home page to post copies and annual updates as well as leaving hard copies at FS, State, and industry offices, etc. We agreed that the communications chair or committee would be the sponsors of this dynamic communication tool and be responsible for its updating and distribution. Ed will add some information to this handbook and distribute the initial copies to the chapter chairs through upcoming executive committee meetings. Frank will pursue the option of raising membership dues to help cover the publishing costs of this venture.

The Whitebark Pine Symposium will be held in Missoula in September. See Bryan Donner with the Flathead Chapter for details (387-3857). Members are encourage to support this continuing education forum and bring forward ideas for other workshops, seminars, field trips, etc. that might be of interest and beneficial to the organization.

The Forest Stewardship Council meeting was held in Missoula on March 13 at the Boone and Crockett Club. Steve Thompson is coordinating this effort. A number of area SAF members will attend and gather information on this. Russ Hudson feels there are other options to consider in the area of 'sustainable forest certification' and strongly supports there being an SAF representative on the Council.

Draft 1998 Budget: Frank outlined a proposed budget for the coming year, highlighting the expected income and expenses.With the continued emphasis on use of electronic mail we expect the cost of producing the newsletter to drop significantly. In 1997 approximately $1100 was spent publishing the newsletter. As E-Mail addresses from current members become available this process will begin to occur. Frank suggested we create a fund for increased advertising to the public of current forestry issues. This money might be used for covering expenses related to publishing and distributing the SAF Membership Handbook. The state budget may be used to help fund Ed Lieser's expenses for travelling to the National Meeting in Michigan. We anticipate the National Office will fund expenses to be incurred for him attending the Leadership Academy. The executive committee is not budgeting any incentive money for membership recruitment in 1998. Despite a valiant effort by Bonner Armstrong, we felt the new Membership Handbook may provide a suitable alternative.

Critical Issues Forum: Based on feedback from leadership meeting, we need to allow adequate time for state meeting participants to interact in this important forum. Frank will facilitate this brainstorming session with Ed and Russ documenting the ideas on the flipcharts. This input will assist our State leadership in carrying out its responsibilities as well as provide input to Ed Lieser on direction the society may head next year.

House of Section Delegates: Frank provided a handout that demonstrates how issues developed at the grassroots level (chapters) make their way to the national level and influence policy development. State society chairs review the suggested issues and comments, decide what recommendations should be made to the Council and what issues can be handled immediately at the local level. In order for a local issue to make it to the agenda for the upcoming HSD meeting in Michigan it would have to be submitted to the state chairs by the end of July. It is recommended that the chapter chairs make time to generate ideas and issues for submittal to HSD.

Feedback on Leadership Academy: Overall, comments were very positive on the workshop at Lubrecht in January. Some folks felt we did not spend enough time providing the tools and training to new officers in how to schedule and conduct chapter meetings, doing business, selecting meeting topics, etc. Also, some felt we were generally pressed for time and did not adequately discuss the State Action Plan. The executive committee decided to plan more time at next years leadership academy for this and in the coming year, allow more time at leadership meetings to brainstorm ideas on meeting topics, futuring, ideas on making chapter meetings effective, and less on the nuts and bolts of the business end of SAF.

-Chapter Reports-

Eastern Chapter- As Dennis Davaz puts it "1997 was a renaissance year for the Eastern Chapter". The theme for the year was water quality and Chair Ed Stoots developed a program for the year based on this theme with very good membership participation. Meeting topics included: implementation of the Clean Water Act, Montana forestry BMPs and streamside management law and rules, ecosystem management principles in the Tenderfoot Watershed, Rosgin's Stream Classification, and erosion control and grass seeding. The chapter sponsored a student to attend the 11th annual Montana Natural Resources Youth Camp. Ed Stoots initated Chapter involvement in the Spring Creek Realignment Project in Lewistown. Ward McCaughey was awarded the Forester of the Year for his outstanding work on the Tenderfoot Creek Experimental Forest.

In 1998 the Eastern Chapter will continue to provide education opportunities to further membership knowledge of our profession. They will also focus on planning for the upcoming SAF centennial and their hosting of the annual meeting in 2000.

Missoula Chapter- Chair Tony Liane presented the highlights of 1997 activities for the chapter. Meetings included: panel discussion on Urban and Community Forestry in Montana, participation with Missoula Chamber Forest Resource Council in Lolo Creek Forestry Demonstration Project, field trip to Frenchtown area to view and discuss the Wildland/Urban interface and fire issues, assisted the Missoula Chamber with its forestry tour for members, meeting hosted by student chapter celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Lubrecht Forest, and slide presentation of a recent trip to Chile by Gary Ellingson. The National Office of SAF recognized the Missoula Chapter as the nation's outstanding local chapter for public education, through its Forestry Interpretive Area at Fort Missoula. Scott Kuehn represented the chapter at the National Meeting to receive the award and present the interpretive program. Scott was named the Missoula Chapter Forester of the Year for his work on the historical committee. Glenn Koepke was given a gift certificate for lodging at Fairmont Hot Springs for perfect attendance at chapter meetings.

In 1998 the Missoula Chapter will try to be involved in Arbor Day using public announcements and working with DNRC Community Foresty Program. Members will assist the Missoula Chamber of Commerce in their annual Foresty Demonstration Day, as well as planning field trips.

Student Chapter- Chair Melissa Squire presented the highlights of the Student Chapter activities. Students participated in the National SAF Convention in Memphis, as well as the Leadership Academy. Two barbeque's were held at Lubrecht Forest. Laird Robinson gave a presentation on the proposal to reintroduce grizzly bears into the Bitteroot NF. Patrick Heffernan spoke on the TMDL standards and current legistlation. Scott Kuehn gave a presentation on winter logging at Fort Missoula.

In 1998 student represenatives attended the leadership academy, plan to attend the National Convention in Michigan, woodmen's team meeting at BBQ in April, meeting with FS Deputy Regional Forester-Kathy McAllister, and meetings that involve the topic of jobs in the Natural Resources profession.

Libby Chapter- Chair Warren Applehans briefly described the 1997 activities of the chapter. Spouse's dinner and meeting with Wayne Kasworm giving a presentation on his Grizzly Bear research in the Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem, presentation by Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation on current activities, Gene Yahvah gave a slide presentation on logging in Sweden, Leslie Ferguson and Marci Williams gave a presentation on noxious weeds, Becky Timmons gave a slide program on aboriginal use of fire in western Montana.

The Libby Chapter again sponsored the annual fifth grade forestry tour with Libby and Troy schools, provided a field trip to local people and touristsduring Nordicfest, and participated in tree planting during Arbor Day. The scholarship fund again was instrumental is supporting a local high student to attend the Montana Natural Resources Youth Camp. The chapter has been very busy planning the annual state meeting that was held in Libby. Russ Gautreaux was given the Libby Chapter SAF Forester of the Year Award for 20 years of sustained committment and support of SAF through participation in a range of activities, including the development of an annual Forest Education tour for the Troy Elementary School.

In 1998 the Chapter looks forward to a successful state meeting in Libby, and a renewed committment by its membership to be a leading chapter in promoting Forestry at the local and state level.

Flathead Chapter- Chair Bryan Donner noted that in 1997 Chapter members actively participated in another successful Family Forestry Expo. They also raised over $1100 in a firewood sale, with donated logs by F.H. Stoltze and Plum Creek. A chapter newsletter was published on three occasions and recently was posted on the Montana SAF Internet web site. The chapter began organizing electronic mailing options for the membership, including e-mail and fax, in an effort to reduce costs. Chapter member Fred Hodgeboom was elected an SAF fellow.

The chapter is off to a great start in 1998, and plans to hold regular meetings through much of the year. Recent programs include a presentation on fire ecology and history by Steve Barrett where over 90 members and the public attended. Carol Sime of the Montana FWP gave a presentation on whitetail deer. A workshop series on wildfire and the urban interface was initiated with the help of DNRC. Four chapter members attended the leadership conference at Lubrecht. The Flathead Chapter currently has 80 members with about a third to half being somewhat active.The chapter has a scholarship fund that annually awards $400 to a student of the Flathead Valley Community College. The chapter is organizing to host the 1999 annual State SAF meeting. They plan to continue publishing their newsletter quarterly and increase overall participation by its members in this effort. A field trip to tour the Little Wolf Fire area is planned for this summer, and local folks and media are invited.

The executive committee meeting was adjourned at approximately 9pm and the group joined the icebreaker celebration of the 1998 State SAF Meeting.

-Next Meeting: sometime in April at the Smoke Jump Center in Missoula.

State chair Frank Cuff welcomed the attendees to Libby and called the business meeting to order. An overview of the Leadership Academy that was held at Lubrecht was given, followed by a review of the action items for the 1998 Executive Committee.

Russ Gautreaux gave a treasurer's report which included an overview of the expenses ($4590.25) and income ($4336.28) by the state treasury in 1997. Checking account balance as of March 5, 1998 is $1557.61. Russ thanked Tom Tintinger for his excellant work and documentation while serving as the 1997 Montana SAF Secretary-Treasurer.

Committee Reports

-Membership: Ed Leiser described the objectives of the new SAF Member Handbook and encouraged folks to review the various copies available during the state meeting and to provide comments, suggestions, or additions to him on the content and means of distribution.

Frank displayed of graph of membership trends. In January of 1997 there were 18,468 SAf members nationally. As of January 1998 we have 18,288 (461 in Montana). Nationally, the focus in membership is in retaining the new and younger SAF members as they tend to discontinue their membership within a few years of graduation. It is felt that more timely communication of our position on issues, our messages, and accomplishments is essential and a step toward fulfilling the obligations of a professional society.

-Mentor Program: Glenn Koepke briefly spoke of the new mentoring program initiative that is on option to the traditional long-term committment. Students at the University of Montana and Idaho have initiated an interest in a day or two 'ride a long' with interested SAF members. Folks interested in taking one or more of the students out on a typical work day in the field are encouraged to sign the form on the back table. Glenn said that about approximately six SAF members are currently serving as mentors for university students.

-Resource Advisory Council: David Delsordo is the Montana SAF representative on the Council which is made up of Forest Service, BLM and Tribal interests. The Council was set up in 1996 under direction of Bruce Babbitt and charged with the task of giving advice and representing the forestry profession. The first issue worked on was standards and guidelines for rangeland management, which is currently policy at BLM. The second issue addressed was recreation and travel management on public lands. Recognizing the contentious nature of access management, the Butte District of the Forest Service is working with the public to write a recreation plan for offroad vehicle use. Dave mentioned that this summer the Council will have a meeting with all involved citizens and welcomes other interested SAF members.

-Continuing Education/Certified Forester Program: Dale Kerkvliet presented an overview of the CFE program and noted that the state meeting is worth 16 hours in category 1 towards a certificate of continuing education (2 additional hours for the field trip). In 1997 Dale awarded certificates of continuing education to Steve Hayes and Eric Kurtz. I believe it was Eric's second certificate in three years, quite an accomplishment. So far in 1998 only one certificate awarded and that was given to Dan Pittman. Dale announced that Bob Logan and Perry Brown will represent the University on an advisory board to develop a mission statement for the CFE program and invites other members to participate. Dale also announced that certified foresters will be meeting during the luncheon for a brief discussion.

-Newsletter: Dick reiterated the trend towards greater use of electronic mail in our communications and encouraged folks to explore the internet capabilites to stay informed about forest management issues. He also feels that the objectives of our newletter are still to teach, convey information, and assist our efforts in maintaining a common cause. Consider the newsletter and the SAF home page as another tool to use in your personal life and professional pursuits. Just as one processes delivered mail each day, consider a small committment of time each day to use the internet. Dick suggested we begin thinking of how we want to archive previous newsletters, as we move towards an electronic version.

-Cultural Diversity: Chair Rebecca Hendrix presented some interesting statistics on the SAF membership. At this time 98% of our professional society is composed of Caucasians and 89% is male. Looking around the room at the meeting it is obvious that these figures are quite believable. The question was raised "what is SAF doing or not doing for the retention and recruitment of individuals from a cross section of the professional community". Rebecca noted that Denise McKaag and Rebecca Staedler are the National Office liasons for this committee and that Council Representative Tom Thompson is the chair of the subcommittee on cultural diversity that will remain in effect for two years.

Chapter Reports were presented by chapter chairs. This information was conveyed in the Executive Committee notes provided earlier in these notes.

SAF Council representative, Tom Thompson spoke to the group on his involvement on behalf of our Voting District. He acknowledged the many local, chapter and state activities that our members participate in and it reflects the broad-based activism of SAF nationally.

With the SAF centennial coming up in 2000 there is a group working on a book to capture the rich 100 year history of forestry in the U.S. The Journal of Forestry will provide the basic forum to commicate the story of core SAF involvement and activities over the last century. Recognition of SAF members who have been leaders in our long history is expected. The National Office is looking at options to produce an envelope with commemorative significance or a post card for the centennial celebration. We're looking at the 1999 National Meeting in Portland as the 'kick-off' for this great event.

Mr. Thompson spoke of the recent Council meeting where current issues were discussed at length. Issues such as external perception of forestry, and stressed that SAF needs to move its agenda at the national level towards leaving better tracks for the public and the professional membership as a whole. Policy will continue to have an increased focus, particularly as SAF is called upon by Congress for testimony on Capital Hill on Forestry issues.

He spoke briefly of the proposal for a flattened dues structure. As a side note Tom related that dues in 1908 was $5.00, but that in 1915 they dropped to $3.00. We are currently up against the 5% ceiling for elected SAF fellows. Council decided to waive that limit but has written new guidelines for the nomination and award process. Finally, Tom suggested that SAF still exist because of the personal relationships that are developed and the professional contacts we have made. We need to acknowledge that value and re-emphasize it.

The business portion of the annual state meeting ended at 10 am.

Russ Gautreaux
Secretary-Treasurer
Montana SAF