Attendees: Diana Novacek, Dave Skogberg, Nancy Allred, Bob & Julene Gyde, Kris Spinning, Tony Riley, Sheryl Smith
Nancy Allred provide the following financial summary:
$ 6950.00 Balance from 2005 WUI Grant
$ 9682.00 Balance from 2006 WUI Grant
$ 4495.00 Balance from POA Budget
$21127.00 Total Funds
The Status of the 501(c)3 was discussed. The application was submitted 10-2006. In 4-2007 we received a request from the IRS for additional information primary around how we would impact/benefit areas beyond ranch borders. Diana, Dave and Nancy have been working on the response which must be to the IRS by Monday, 5-21-2007.
Dave discussed the 2008 WUI Grant application that will be written in August 2007. (The 2007 WUI Grant approval is still pending.) The Committee discussed various alternatives for using grant money to continue the effort of implementing the recommendations of the CWPP. The Committee agreed that we needed to utilize the CWPP to establish the priorities of work and shaded fuel breaks. Since some alternatives will require coordination with parameter/boundary owners, Diana will notify the POA Board of potential contacts. Dave will continue to head the effort of writing the grant. Thanks to Dave for his continued dedicated efforts.
Kris Spinning reviewed the FHWMC website usage. The number of visitors far exceeded everyone’s expectations, however, a discussion was held to determine how to keep the information fresh and appropriate. Links to existing published articles and newly written articles by landowners were encouraged. Thanks to Kris for her continued support on this educational vehicle.
Bob & Julene gave an update on the Bull Hog Project. Work should resume around June 4/5. The price increase of $150 to $160 due to fuel costs was discussed. The Committee agreed that the Gydes did an outstanding job of negotiating. An item has been put on the Discussion Forum as notification. There are still 44 original hours and 152 additional hours of work scheduled at this time. Thanks to Bob & Julene for their superb handling of this project.
Julene advised that Scott from Vermejo has approached us to consider helping in an effort to further clean up around the current fuel break area. They will have Interns who will stack the slash and asked that we obtain a large chipper and volunteers to chip the slash. We discussed the alternatives/cost of renting a chipper and agreed that we needed to take on this project. Solicitation for volunteers will be commence once dates are known.
Diana discussed the requirements of renewing of our National Firewise Community designation. The only item still pending is an educational event that must be held in 2007. The Committee agreed that this renewal was a priority. Several alternatives were discussed including a 2007 Fuel Break Tour hosted by Vermejo and SFTR. Diana will contact Scott and CK to begin date selection.
Adjourned