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• The meeting was called to order at 9:00 at Park HQ.
  
   

• Present:  Dave Taghon, John McCombs, Molly McCombs, , Kerry Kelly, Jack Schultz, Eleanor Comings, Tom Van Zoeren.  Tom Ulrich represented the Park.
  
   

• Agenda:  There were no additions.

• The minutes from the 10/12/05 meeting:  Tom U. noted that 201 historic structures were in good condition; not 209.  The minutes were approved as amended.

• Treasurer’s Report, presented by John:

• The financial statements and budget (attached) were approved for audit.

• The Enterprise will produce the Gazette as a supplement this year.  They will handle the advertising, etc..

• Tom U. noted that if we solicit donations, the Park can support us; it cannot make the donation request.

• Selling posters at the Cannery:  There is a problem with volunteers handling the cash.  We will consider putting out a donation can.  For the Visitor Center, we are waiting for a response from ENPMA, who runs the sales outlet.

• John & Molly got a set of posters framed for $240, for silent auction at the Fair.  They will open with a bid for $250.

• DH Day Scrip:  Tom U. will talk with Lisa about rejuvenating the program at the Cannery; possibly also the Blacksmith Shop & the store.

• John’s proposed budget (attached) was approved.

• Committee Reports:
   

  • Report from Tom Ulrich:

    • Some of the Park’s projects have slipped back again:  The Glen Haven project is now slated for 2010; Port Oneida for 2011.

      • There will be a public forum at the Pt. Oneida School on 5/3/06.  An Environmental Assessment will follow later in the summer.

    • GMP:  Scoping is finished.  A contractor is assembling the comments. (There were many.)  There will be an electronic newsletter to summarize the issues.  Then there will be workshops and web-based forums on them.

    • Scenic Drive 9&10 Overlooks:  Resource management, safety, and maintenance issues are being considered.  A contractor will prepare alternatives.

    • Visitor satisfaction survey:  97% were satisfied at SLBE; 90% indicated “understanding” of the Park—a job well-done!

    • The Park had 865 volunteers who contributed over 30,000 hours, for a value of some $500,000.

    • Site restoration (house sites, etc.) and exotic plant eradication continue.

    • The Aloha :  Repairs will continue.  There may be adequate NPS funds for this.

    • Dechow & Esch Houses:  Utilities & outbuildings are being renovated.

    • Dredging at the island docks is underway.

    • Parking at 669 and 651 road ends for lake access:  Will be improved to mitigate resource damage, etc..
       

  • Leelanau Scenic Heritage Trailway Project:  Kerry reported on meetings that have been occurring.

    • Routing issues are being considered in some areas.

    • Surface:  They are leaning toward blacktop for maintenance reasons and to facilitate road bikes.
       

  • FSBD Website: 

    • Kerry added winter photos, and now spring & summer ones.

    • Jack will be adding fern photos.
       

  • Park Website:  Kerry is volunteering to put it into the new NPS format with new features.
     

  • FSBD Newsletter: 

    • Will be to the printer by May; should be ready by Memorial Day.

    • We have Brochures in stock for distribution; we may need to have more printed later this summer.
       

  • Adopt-a-trail: 

    • 22 volunteers have adopted 17 trails.

    • There were 432 hours donated for Oct. – Dec., 2005; 379 for Jan. – Mar., 2006.

    • National trail Day, June 3, will be observed with volunteer activities on our trails.
       

  • Membership:  We have 96 paid members:  55 family; 38 single; 3 corporate.
     

• Old Business:
   

  • National Parks Conservation Assn. called regarding our possible support for their new office in Chicago.  However, they are an issue-oriented organization, unlike FSBD.
     

  • The Garden Clubs of Michigan requested a FSBD representative for their 10/23 meeting.  
     

  • Molly sent a letter of regret and thanks to Vern and Pat Korkus for their recent resignation from our Board.
     

• New Business:
   

  • We need 1 – 4 new Board members and a new chairman.  Eleanor and Jack will form a committee.
     

  • The Park does not currently have a new list of potential projects for us to help fund.
     

  • $750 administration fee in the Port Oneida Fair grant:  It was moved and approved to turn over this and any other similarly available funds, to the Fair Committee for use as needed.
    
     

  • Support for the 2007 Fair:  Molly’s draft resolution of support was approved.
     

• Next meeting:  Will be 6/25, 2:00 at Platte Picnic Area—a potluck to bring desserts, etc..  

--Tom Van Zoeren, Secretary

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