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Present: Joan Young, Mary Soule, Ed Chappel, Ed Morse
Meeting started soon after 7 PM while we were ordering.
Ed Chappel had a report on the Sterling Marsh problems. He and Gordon Wilkes had measured from 76th Street to 96th with a wheel. Distances and problems observed were recorded. A copy of the measurement log was passed out. Joan will use this to help prepare the Grant Request for next year's project.
Ed then discussed the status of trail marking and blazing. He said there is a need for more stick on signs for the Carsonite posts, especially the "NO HORSES" signs. Ramona indicated that the Forest Service could supply some.
There was discussion about the need to record volunteer hours to show our part for the cost share grant. Some people are submitting their volunteer hours to the main office, but Ed Chappel has no record of the hours. We need to see that Ed somehow gets a copy of Chapter member's hours. Ed also spoke about his efforts to keep a log of trail conditions and about breaking the trail into smaller segments for maintenance responsibilities.
Joan related that we now have 63 members in the chapter. There was some discussion about the reports that are sent monthly to chapter Presidents, Secretaries and Treasurers.
Ed Chappel (previous chapter treasurer) reported that there is now a balance of $1155.85. There had been discrepancies between Chapter records and Central office balances. Ed talked about his discussion with office people and how he had reached agreement on the balance. Ed will talk with Mary about how the balance was arrived at and what she does to get started as treasurer.
Discussion followed about "How are we doing". People are hearing the radio announcements about trail activities. This seems to be an effective method of reaching people. We also talked about announcements in newspapers. This does not appear to be going as well. Joan will work on this.
Joan brought up our goal of exposure of trail activities to more groups through speakers at meetings of other groups. Joan is scheduled to speak at a Boy Scout leaders Roundtable meeting March 8. She is also working on tolking to Boy Scouts in Muskegon.
Joan has written a letter to Les Russell, the Baldwin District Ranger, regarding communication with an effort to make sure that office knows what is going on.
Put North Star in local libraries. We need to collect names and addresses. We can get free copies - would only need to pay postage to get delivered.
Improve relations with adjacent property owners. We need to obtain the names and addresses of these people. Ed Chappel has some of the county plat books and is working on getting the remainder. Joan has suggested providing them with the Chapter newsletter and also creating a one page letter of introduction to property owners.
Increased education and events on backpacking. Several things are planned: Dec. 9 trail food event at Joan's house, Dec. 12 - Trail time on backpacking gear, Spring Trail time on packing for backpacking.