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The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes

Board Meeting

 8/16/07, 3:00

Park HQ

Present:  Board members Molly McCombs, Chuck Schaeffer, John McCombs, Jerry Powley, Roland Drayson, Pat Oriel, Jack Schultz, Dick Kishline, Kerry Kelly, & Tom Van Zoeren;  Park Rep Tom Ulrich; Guests Dennis Yockers, & Lois Veenstra.

Minutes from the Last Meeting:  Approved as submitted.

Treasurer’s Report:  John  reported that we have,

·        $18,075 on hand in cd's and our checking account

·        $10,724 in restricted funds and bills due

·        $7,333 available

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Park Report:  Tom reported the following:

·        GMP:  The Park staff is working on the summary of public comments; it should be available soon.

·        Maintenance crews are doing major work on North Unity School, the Tobin House, and North Manitou Island structures.

·        The Park continues to plan for improving the accesses at County Roads 669 & 651.

·        The Park continues to expand the fee collection and enforcement program.

·        Centennial Projects:  Projects to re-light the S. Manitou Light and to control baby’s breath are being pursued under this special funding.

Membership:  Molly reported that we have approximately 115 single and family memberships and six corporate members.  Moomers (who made a large donation to the Fair), Maple Lane, and two restaurants are expected to soon be added.

Adopt-a-trail:  Adopters should send copies of their reports to Molly.  We have 30 volunteers and two groups as adopters, who donated 97.5 hours since June 1.  Molly will seek an adopter for the Lawr Farm heritage gardens if the Park wishes.

Drifting Sands Newsletter:  Our current issue is being well-received.  Molly is soliciting ideas for articles for next year’s edition.

Non-motorized multi-use trail:  The engineering plan is mostly done.  It will then be available for public comment.

Port Oneida Fair:

·        Molly and John did a great job organizing our booth.

·        Kerry presented an enjoyable photographic review of the fair, which was deemed by all as very successful.

Website:  Data indicates that use of our website is largely increased this year.

OLD BUSINESS:

Cherry Republic Fundraiser:  Approximately 150 people were served—More than expected.  We received approximately $690.

Books & Stickers:  This program is approximately breaking even at this point financially, while providing much information to the public.

Donated Paint:  The Sherwin Williams paint is being used to spruce up the fuel storage buildings and other structures on South Manitou.

Specialty License Plate:  No progress.

Tractor & Mower:  We have a fund started for purchasing this.  We are looking for suitable equipment for sale.

Cooperation:  FSBD has been making a special effort to coordinate with other partner groups (production of publications, event organization, etc.)

NEW BUSINESS:

Dr. Dennis Yockers:  Dennis, a professor of environmental ed at UW-Stevens Point, was introduced.  He will be spending his sabbatical here next year, helping develop a long-range interpretive plan for the Park.  He is anxious to bring much added energy for the Park.

Donation of Portable Forge:  Kerry has donated a very interesting piece of equipment, from his family farm, for the Blacksmith Shop.  Thanks Kerry!

OTHER BUSINESS:

Partner Group Requests:  A new listing of current Park priorities for partner group donations was distributed for consideration.

Meeting Adjourned:  4:45 PM.

Any Questions?  Contact Web Page Editor  231-421-1645