SWCS-NCC Meeting Notes
February 1, 2007Participants: Chip Ramsey, George Utting, Ross Braun, Allison Wiedeman, Melvin Womack, Larry Holmes, Bill Boyer, and guest Dan Durheim (American Farm Bureau Federation and Foundation).
Scholarship: We discussed many aspects of conducting a scholarship program, including funding, purpose, eligibility criteria, partnership roles, etc. with Dan Durheim. A motion was made, seconded and approved to create an ad hoc committee to develop criteria for a NCC scholarship program and collaboration with AFBF. Chip will ask Beth Sauerhaft to head this committee as this has been of interest to her. Dan Durheim will serve as an advisor to this activity.
Northeast Regional Conference: (April 24 & 25) Eleven NRCS and EPA headquarters people have expressed interest in attending this conference in Lancaster, PA. Chip will continue to get the word out to members and facilitate car/van pooling from DC. Chip will look into the cost of renting a van. He also will ask NRCS Chief Arlen Lancaster if NRCS employees can attend this technical training and tour on government time, but on each person own expense. Allison has publicized the conference to others in EPA and she will send a notice to folks in EPA Region III to encourage participation.
Financial Report, 2006: Total assets are $13,792.02. Melvin will conduct an audit of the financial records for 2006.
Relationship with Society of American Forester-National Capital Chapter (NCSAF): The Board approved a motion to establish an exploratory committee to propose joint programs and activities. Two or three members from each society will compose the Committee. A list of proposals will be developed and presented to both chapters for decision.
SWCS Speakers Series: Tom Hebert informed the Board by e-mail that the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) will be pleased to host our speakers' forum and he has several speakers identified for Farm Bill and global warming topics. Tabled until the next meeting.
Recorded by Bill Boyer, Chapter Secretary.
Next Meeting March 1st at 11:45 am, at USDA, room to be determine!
The SWCS-NCC Board meets the first Thursday of each month from 11:45-12:45.
The location will cycle among the organizations represented by Board members and be announced prior to each meeting.