The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes

Board Meeting

 4/16/08

Park HQ

Present:  Board members Christine Armbrecht, John & Molly McCombs, Chuck Schaeffer, Jerry Powley, Roland Drayson, Pat Oriel, Dick Kishline, Kerry Kelly, , Dave Taghon, & Tom Van Zoeren;  Park Rep Dusty Shultz.

·        Kerry introduced Todd Ciolek from Cherry Republic

Minutes from the Last Meeting:  Approved as submitted.

Treasurer’s Report:  John provided a detailed financial statement (attached) indicating that we have a total of approximately $11,000.  The report was approved.  A proposed budget (also attached) was also presented and approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Park Report:  Dusty reported the following:

·        The new Draft General Management Plan was introduced. 

o       A preferred alternative was developed by combining portions of the initial alternatives.

o       The detailed plan is available online or from Park HQ.

·        New display in the visitor center:  a cougar.

·        Project list for 2008:  Was presented for future consideration.

Membership: 

·        Molly reported that letters and membership cards were sent out. 

·        We now have 119 paid-up memberships; 20 that have not yet paid; and three complimentary.  We have six corporate sponsors.

·        It was decided to exchange complimentary memberships with The Art Place, of Suttons Bay.

·        Kerry is working on developing materials for soliciting corporate memberships.

·        Board memberships:  John and Tom will be running up against term limits, and will need to be replaced.  Jack and Molly will serve on a committee to identify potential new members.

 

Adopt-a-Trail:  Molly reported that we have 31 volunteers checking all 16 mainland trails.  We accumulated 403 hours last June - December.

Adopt-a-Garden:  Molly reported that we have four volunteers signed up to help with the gardens at the Lawr Farm.  A work bee is being organized for May 2.

Adopt-a-Beach:  This is a new program being implemented in conjunction with the Alliance for the Great Lakes.  On 5/21 there will be training for the new volunteers.  Kerry is coordinating this.

OLD BUSINESS

Interpretive books and stickers:  Kerry reported,

·        We have two new books, on Ghost Towns (by Kerry) and Birds (by Alice VZ).

·        A beautiful new book display rack for the Visitor Center has been completed by Dick.

Non-motorized Trail:  There will be a public meeting about this, date to be announced.

Oral history projects:  Tom will be publishing a booklet on the Burfiend Farm and surroundings.  It will be in cooperation with FSBD, with profits to benefit park area history research & education.  FSBD will pay the materials cost for the associated complete project books (with recordings, etc.) to be donated to libraries, etc.

Traverse Area Lighthouse Circle:  We are cooperating with them to provide information on area lights.  It was decided to authorize $200 to help fund lunch at the Michigan Lighthouse Alliance meeting June 11-13 at the Park Place Hotel in Traverse City. The Traverse Area Lighthouse Circle will pay for lunch for conferees at the meeting and present the luncheon talk describing the lighthouses in the area. Kerry will talk about South Manitou Island Lighthouse. We will have our (Friends & MIMS) brochures at a booth during the conference.

Dennis Yockers, Associate Professor of Environmental Education, University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, has received funding to spend his sabbatical helping the Park develop the educational portion of the Interpretive Plan for the Lakeshore.

Specialty License Plate:  Legislation is still being drafted.

Tractor & Mower: 

·        We have the tractor, and the mower should be delivered in the next month

·        We’ll have volunteer training with Park staff for those who will be involved.

DH Day Exhibit:  Progress continues.  Kerry and Dave have been working with Park staff. It should be open to the public this season.

Port Oneida Fair grant:  A new potential source has been identified.  $411.23 was approved for the application fee for the $15,000 grant.

NEW BUSINESS

·        Christine mentioned the idea of producing a bracelet that would advertise and support the Park.  Kerry will talk with Lisa about it.

·        The newsletter:  Molly reported that it has been suggested that we send our members a mailing consisting of the Park newspaper, our membership brochure, and a cover letter.  This would replace the Friends newsletter.  This idea was approved.

Wish List for 2007 – 2008:  $350 was approved to fund the loon and swan nesting platforms identified by the park.  It will be used this year if still possible; next year otherwise.

Next meeting:  June 22, 2008 at 2:00 PM in the Platte River Picnic Area

Adjourned:  12:00