Minutes Friends of Moosehorn Meeting July 9, 2008 6:00PM at Refuge

Present: Fred Hartman, Ray Brown, Bill Kolodnicki, Fred Gralenski, Andy Slater, Clayton Ranney and Stacy LaBare (recorder);

Meeting called to order by Pres. Hartman at 6:15
Secretary's report and old business: Fishing Derby was a success and thanks to all; Boy Scouts will not be joining the FOMR booth at the GLS festival, due to festival rules, but can pursue their own booth with festival management is they so choose
Treasurer's Report: Not available

New Business: Woodcock pins: Fred H needs some, and so do summer volunteers - they should contact Marcia Northwoods

Sporting Journal will run announcements for us if we send to vpaulr@tds.net and always put "Moosehorn NWR - Submission for Outdoor News" in the subject line. Photo contest ad to run in August issue. Have to submit by 5th of month for the NEXT month. Stacy will send something about annual meeting, van and auto tours, trailwork

Trails: Edmunds Unit trails need annual maintenance, as reported by QRLT trail coordinator Lynn Bradbury. Bill suggested Stacy contact them with possibility of MNWR sending a little $ their way for trailwork; otherwise, the trails will be inventoried this summer, and American Hiking Soc. will do the maintenance during their working vacation Sept 21-27, 2008 . Trail stewards are urged to get out and take at a look at their sections. YCC group will be doing some maintenance, too. Stacy is leading a Pathfinders trail walk on Aug 17, 2008 on North Trail at Edmunds. Fred G suggested we bring a few tools and do light maintenance as we walk.

Fishing Derby: 93 kids and 300+/- people in attendance (or was that 300 hotdogs...?) Refuge staff was pleased with the turnout and the assistance of FOMR . Fred G expressed his concern that the derby should have a different focus, as the focus seems to be competitive catch and kill fishing. Lengthy discussion ensued. Bill K mentioned that his staff had the same discussion earlier and is trying to gradually change the focus a little for the future. There will be more random prizes, more emphasis on fishing ethics and having fun in the outdoors, every kid gets something...many of these things are included already to some degree. Bill also reminded us that fishing is one of the "Big 6" activities mandated for refuges, so it will continue, in general. Andy emphasized that whatever direction the MNWR staff goes on this issue, we would support as FOMR.

Photo Contest: no entries have come in yet. We need prizes, and we voted to dedicate $300 of FOMR money towards 4 prizes; additional donations of prizes would be given out over and above this. Free memberships will be given to all entrants that are not already members, but this will not be advertised ahead of time.

Ideas for prizes:
. Professional tripod and monopod (Andy will look for these and purchase)
. Kayak: Refuge Guys will look into this
. Cabela's giftcard: Fred H will call them
. Bangor savings has donated something already

Upcoming Festivals: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED.
. Grand Lake Stream July 26 & 27 please call Labares at 796-5358
. Blueberry Aug 16 call Fred H or Bill K; We need to pack the XP with all FOMR booth materials by Friday Aug 15 at the latest, so Bill K can drive it to Machias for setup by 7:00am the 16th with Fred H

Nominating Committee: same as last year (Vicki, Marcia and Clayton) charged with coming up with a slate of officers and board members; Fred H will does not wish to included this time around

ANNUAL MEETING: CHANGED TO SEPTEMBER 10, 2008 to allow more time between end of photo contest and meeting. We need to think about an agenda and food; Start time 5:00 p.m. Bill K suggested Andy Wiek give his Powerpoint presentation about Woodcock; and we should contact Jerry about progress on the video

Website: Andy all set with new bank account and a Paypal account so people can buy stuff off the website. He is working with Doug the Webmaster. He asked that we all send him neat stuff to put on the website, such as news, photos, upcoming events

Misc.: Fred still working on Bangor Savings Bank grants; Beth applied for some, too, no news. Loon count to be held July 12 or 19th.

Refuge Report:
. Fishing derby: thanks and good job
. 30 employees around Refuge for summer
. biotechs rounding up waterfowl, and starting woodcock trapping
. YCC here, doing cleaning, trailwork, kiosk installation, environmental fieldtrips
. July 30 is Field Day (show and tell) from all refuge worker bees regarding their summer projects
. August 15 is YCC luncheon and reuniona nd possibly volunteer appreciation day
. Kirk is back on the job at Aroostook
. Budget concerns continue, with a recent unannounced cut
. Van tours ongoing for July/Aug; Greenland Point taking tour soon
. LNG/CCP's and Planning process continue
. Actively battling encroachment issues, down on coast especially
. Fred reminded Bill that he'd like to help with duck trap repairs
. Refuge needs our continued assistance with future budgets and staffing slots-he'll let us know how we can participate. Charlie and Roland volunteered (previously) to monitor e-mails from NWR Association
. Driving Tour Road closed now, due to loon nest on Vose Pond near shore. Other nests on Conic and Bearce; 2 recent moose-vehicle collisions

NEXT MEETING AUGUST 6, 2008 6 PM at the Refuge HQ

Friends of Moosehorn Annual Meeting September 10, 2008

5:00 P.M. at the YCC Hall

 

A gathering of 23 people consisting of  FOMR members, guests, refuge volunteers, and management enjoyed a potluck dinner, along with a slideshow of the years activities and projects on the Refuge.

Roland LaVallee made public the winners of the 2008

“Take your Best Shot Wildlife Photograph Contest”

 

1st Place….  Zachery Johnson …. Calais, ME …. Old Town Kayak

2^nd Place …. Joe Tibbets …. Addison, ME…. Tri-pod

3^rd Place …. Jo-Ann Caron …. Calais, ME…. Mono –pod

 

Honorable Mention

#1 Brenda Lozada…. Princeton, ME…. $25 Bangor Savings startup account

& piggy bank

#2 Kenneth Powers…. Caribou ME…. $25 Bangor Savings startup account

& piggy bank

 

Andy Slater noted, special thanks to Johnson’s Hardware for allowing us to purchase the first prize at cost.

________________________________________________

 

Meeting called to order by outgoing President Fred Hartman.

 

Secretary’s Report: Minutes were distributed from the August 2008 meeting and were accepted as presented (Carlow / Gralenski) all in favor.

 

Treasurer’s Report: Marcia Carlow provided a written treasurer’s report. The report showed total assets of $9,925.59 with a year to date income of $2,206.77 and YTD expenses of 1,604.54 and  YTD net income of $602.45

 

Grants: President Hartman stated that FOMR had received a $2,000 grant from Bangor Savings and encouraged members to bring project ideas to the October meeting. Cabela’s was approached about prize donations and informed us that inquiries were to be directed to the main office.

 

Before the nominations and election of officers Fred Hartman reviewed the FOMR accomplishments over the 07/08-year. He also reviewed upcoming events scheduled.

 

Election of officers:

Newly elected members of the FOMR Board of Directors for the 2008/2009 year are:

President…. Andy Slater

Vice-president…. Clayton Ranney

Secretary…. Roland LaVallee

Treasurer…. Marcia Carlow

 

Refuge Report:  Refuge Manager William Kolodnicki inform the group of the following topics:

The YCC program is 44 years old and gave his thanks to Scott Norman who worked to get the word out to local high schools to find YCC participants this summer.

The States habitats of the North East Region will be meeting at the refuge.

Duck banders have totaled 300 ducks.

A new eagle-viewing platform will be going out to bid soon.

A project to remove the lead contamination from the old shooting range has been completed.

The refuge is planning the construction of a visitor’s station next year.

The refuge is planning to partner with the Washington County Community College construction class and the outdoor recreation programs this year.

The refuge is facing a February deadline for its 15-year comprehensive plan. All is going well.

 

Adjourn: 7:30 P.M.

 

 

Friends of Moosehorn regular meeting October 1, 2008

 

Present: Fred Hartman, Roland LaVallee, Andrew Slater, Bonny Slater, Bill Kolodnicki, Fred Gralenski, Ray Brown, Beth Clifford, Clayton Ranney and Blaine Jones

 

Call to order: 6:10 P.M. by President Andy Slater.

 

Grants:  Blaine Jones the Bangor Savings Bank Manager of the Machias branch awarded the FOMR a $2,000 grant check from the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation. He noted that this was one of three that were awarded to Washington County concerns. Images were taken for the press and to post on the FOMR website. Fred H. who wrote the grant application agreed to do a press release.

 

Minutes: The minutes from the July 2007 meeting were distributed by email. Minutes accepted  (Hartman / Bonny Slater) All in favor.

 

Treasurers Report: Marcia was not in attendance and no report was presented this month. It was noted that Fred G.

Sold 7 pins and 4 hats for a total of $94.00 at the scouting camporee. He returned 17 pins and 5 hats. It was noted that Andy should speak to Marcia about getting the banking signature card changed over.

 

Trails: Bill K. reported that the American Hiking Society had an enjoyable time while at the refuge. S. LaBare lead the group of 9 for 3 days and the refuge lead the hikers on the other two. Aside from hiking they worked on trails on Devils Head, pruned apple trees at the St. Croix Island visitors area, banded ducks and were treated to a lobster feed. This was the 3^rd year and it would be nice to have them again next year. 

 

Photo Contest: Entries have been returned except for the winners. Andy will return them after the images are uploaded on our website. He will first try to find a public display area for them. Roland agreed to update the rules for the contest. Items that need to be addressed are; use release, images should be mounted on a cardboard, obtain email address, and limit the number of entries per photographer.

 

Bird Festival: Fred H. stated he hoped the refuge would have a more limited involvement in 2009. Bill K. stated that his suggestion would be that the FOMR staff the visitor’s center (Friday & Saturday), Andy could show his Bald eagle slideshow, and free hikes would be available on the refuge. FOMR and the refuge would not cosponsor but partner with the festival.

 

Membership: FOMR is planning to give inkind memberships to photographers that participated in the Photo show. Email addresses were not asked for as a criteria for submitting images, so we will have to land mail a request for email addresses along with their copy of the minutes. It was a bit unclear on who would be doing this. It seems the mailing will be done by F. Hartman if he can get the addresses.

 

Events: Our next event is the fall auto tour that starts Saturday the 4^th and runs to the 26^th of October. The friends have a table on Saturdays and give cider and goodies along with interpretive brochures to the folks who wish to drive the route. If you have time please volunteer to help staff the table. You can call Bonny at 454-8003 after 6 p.m. to coordinate times you can volunteer. A motion was made and carried that the friends reimburse any cost for food and cider. All in Favor.

 

Website: Andy stated the Paypal link is up on the FOMR website. Beth Clifford would check with Ron Jenkins who was filling mail orders and ask if he is still willing to volunteer in this fashion.

 

Merchandise: Ray Brown asked the friends if they would give a FOMR hat and pin to volunteers who work at the refuge next summer as a appreciation give. (Clifford / LaVallee) Majority in favor.

 

Clayton suggested that FOMR start to order other items to merchandise through our website and at events. Items discussed were t-shirts, and note cards, DownEast Drawings prints. Members thought that it should be on the Nov. agenda.

 

Promotion: Roland LaVallee explained to the board  the Coastal Way Down East 2009 Tourist Guide advertising offer.  No interest at this time. Clayton stated he would rather advertise by merchandise (t-shirts, ect….,) that way we would be getting paid for advertising.

 

 

Refuge report: 

Ray Brown informed the board about; the number of refuge staff, a wilderness training class taken by he and Refuge Manager Kolodnicki, the Boy Scouts of America Camporee, a meeting with horse riders, The CC Plan draft due in February 2009, American Hiking society, The Eastern States Wildlife Habitat Restoration meeting held on the refuge, bird dog field trials held last week, local schools are using the refuge for their track meets, the rifle range lead clean up in progress, the hiring of to refuge firemen, and the open of the refuge for the  2009 hunting season.

Bill Kolodnicki stated that the Boy Scouts of America Camporee was the best ever. It was very well organized. Fred G. was disappointed that FOMR did not have more volunteers at the camporee. Bill stated advance press coverage was lacking. He suggested images and a write up be uploaded on the FOMR website.

 

Next Meeting Wednesday November 5^th.

 

Motion to adjourn 8:10 P.M.

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Friends of Moosehorn regular meeting November 5, 2008

 

Present: Fred Hartman, Roland LaVallee, Andrew Slater, Ray Brown, Beth Clifford, and Ron Jenkins

 

Call to order: 6:00 P.M. by President Andy Slater.

 

Minutes: The minutes from the October 2008 meeting were distributed by email. Minutes accepted  (Hartman / LaVallee) All in favor.

 

Treasurer’s Report: Marcia was not in attendance a written report was presented this month. It was noted our Paypal balance is $25.22, CD $4,455.73, savings account $3,949.89, and checking account $3,789.94.

 

Trails: Fred H. is working on the reprint of the Raven Trail guide. He will bring a price quote for 1,000 to the next meeting.

 

Birding Festival: Fred H. stated that this year the first two days of the festival would be held at the Moosehorn Refuge. FOMR volunteers will work with the refuge employees. Fred H. gave the FOMR the option of retailing his art. No decision made.

 

Membership: Marcia provided a current members list and it was noted one new membership this month the Brown family.

 

Newsletter: FOMR is seeking articles on wildlife and plants of the refuge for the next Timberdoodle Times. Members can send or inquire about submission to cemartin9@roadrunner.com .

 

Website: Andy stated the Paypal link is up on the FOMR website. The Paypal notification link is directed to Andy’s email for now.

 

Merchandise: Discussion on new merchandise. Roland said he would contact Wharfratt screen-printing to get a quote on shirt prices. Ron would be looking into Passamaquoddy baskets and bring information to the next meeting.

 

Committees: Beth suggested that committee leaders work with the membership outside of the board meetings to get duties accomplished. She volunteered to be lead for the grant committee. Ron thought he could be leader for the finance committee.

 

Fall Foliage Tour: Beth reported that FOMR volunteers gave out refreshments and self guided tour guides to visitors. Mixed reports on traffic flow. No photos were taken.

 

Video: Andy spoke with Gerry Krause and learned that the spring and summer portions are done and ready for the voice over. The fall and winter section are coming together.

 

Promotion: No report.

 

Grant Use: Fred suggested we think of ways to best use the $2,000 Bangor Saving Bank Grant. FOMR members thought funding of the 2009 Fishing derby would be a good way to use between $600 and $1,000 no motion at this time.

 

Reciprocal Memberships: Fred H. stated that the Coobscook Bay Area Chamber of Commerce has stopped giving reciprocal memberships and FOMR should take this into consideration. We were informed that our West Quoddy Light House Keepers membership had lapsed. Members suggested Marcia check our checking account to see if we had paid dues for 2008.  Motion made that FOMR renew membership for 2009 if we are not current members. (Hartman / LaVallee) All in favor.

 

Refuge report:  Ray B. gave the refuge report and informed FOMR that the refuge did not get funding for the 2009 fishing derby. The Avian influenza project was only funded at 70 %, and some funding came in for trail displays. The snowmobile trail is being rerouted to accommodate logging operations this winter. The Calais elementary school track meet brought about 500 people to the refuge. The refuge had a safety inspection last month and one building needed work. Hunting season is on. Bill K. and Ray B. will be attending an eco team meeting in New Hampshire. Creative habitat recommendations are coming forth with habitat vs. Old growth management.

 

Next Meeting Wednesday December 3^rd at the headquaterers. ALL MEMBERS ARE WELCOME.

 

Motion to adjourn 8:10 P.M.

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Friends of Moosehorn regular meeting December 4, 2008

 

Present: Fred Hartman, Roland LaVallee, Andrew Slater, Bonny Slater, Bill Kolodnicki, Ray Brown, and Marcia Carlow

 

Call to order: 6:10 P.M. by President Andy Slater.

 

Minutes: The minutes from the November 2007 meeting were distributed by email. Minutes accepted  (Hartman /Carlow) All in favor.

 

Treasurers Report: Marcia reported balances this month 10/31/08 as. PayPal $25.22, CD $4,467.47,

Savings Account $3,950.96, and General Account $3,619.21 for a total $11,965.00

 

Trails: No report.

 

Membership: The annual membership renewal will be mailed in January in conjunction with the latest Timberdoodle Times. One new member was noted this month Mr. Markley Boyer.

 

Events: Our next event is the Washington County Community College Winter Weekend that starts Saturday the 24th and 25th of January. If you want to attend it would be great to have some our members there. You can call the refuge at 207 454-7161 if you need information.

 

Website: Andy stated the Webmaster is temporarily laid up. The www.friendsofmoosehorn.org website is looking good.

 

Merchandise: Roland provided t-shirt information from Wharfratt Screen Printing. Members decided to have 50 shirts L-2XL with a small moose head and the text Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge Baring, Maine on the shirt with a 2-color print for $410.00. Roland should have shirts ready by the next meeting.

 

Promotion: No Report.

 

Video: Andy reported that communication has been good with Gerry. He is working on the voice over and expects to have a Friends viewing in January. A discussion on to date of completion was had.

 

Refuge report: 

Ray Brown informed the board about:

The number of refuge employees 6 including 3 firemen which have the winter off.

The November 3rd Timber Management Plan on bio-diversity vs. woodcock management.

No numbers on the deer hunt yet.

The new Refuge Operation Needs System that should show the need for additional employees for the combined Aroostook and the Moosehorn refuges.

The new eagle nest observation deck is in the process of being built.

A new gate has been installed at the headquarters road entrance.

A Bald eagle which hit power lines in October had to be put down.

5 wild turkeys have established a flock in the Baring Unit.

 

Next Meeting Wednesday  January 7, 2009

 

Motion to adjourn 7:30 P.M.

 

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