Draft Minutes
Virginia Audubon Council
January 27, 2001

Virginia Power Company
   Chester Plant

The meeting was called to order at 10 am.  The following VAC representatives, Chapter members and guests attended:

 
Cape Henry
Andy Tate 
Farimae Tate

Fairfax
Manuel Barrera 
Christine Winslow
Walt Simonson

Northern Neck
Ellis Squires
Rick Skelton

Northern Shenandoah
Fran Endicott
Julie Siimpson
Kaycee Lichliter

Richmond
Caroline Coe
Jeanne Menuet
Ann Brooks
Eileen Rowan
 

Virginia Beach
Judy Kyle
 


The meeting was called to order at 10 am.  Caroline Coe reported that she had talked to Dave Pardoe, NAS Board member, who had informed her that Tom Urquhart is willing to meet with us to discuss the experience of the State of Maine in forming a State office.  Caroline added that she would attempt to schedule a meeting with him.

The minutes of the October 28, 2000 meeting were read and approved.

The Treasurer’s report noted a $250 donation from Northern Neck Audubon as part of the VAC contribution to the Virginia Conservation Network.  Forty dollars had been spent on PO box rental.  The checking account held $1349.39. 

Discussion of the State office followed.  Discussion focused on the offer from the Henricus Foundation for the VAC to occupy space in the new building for $3000 a year.  The Council decided unanimously to “…take up the offer from the Henricus Foundation for office space at the Education Center for no more than $3000 for a year to be used by the VAC for its activities until such time as the State Office is formed.”  Richmond Audubon is to take the lead in continuing the discussion with the Henricus Foundation.

Eileen Rowan, Conservation Chair, reported on legislative priorities, including priorities related to land conservation measures, non-tidal wetlands, State park and natural areas, smart growth, transportation, and State environmental funding in light of the budget cuts due to the phase-out of the car tax. 

Next, Eileen reported on an Important Bird Area (IBA) Conference she had attended. She suggested we follow the North Carolina example, and proceed by applying for a grant to begin a Virginia IBA effort.  The Council agreed and decided unanimously “…to authorize Eileen to develop a proposal for an IBA program for Virginia, and to circulate the proposal by e-mail  for Chapter approval and support.”

The Council also agreed that it saw no problem in posting VAC legislative priorities on the VAC web pages hosted by FAS Audubon.

The next meeting of the VAC is scheduled for Saturday, April 28, 2001.

The meeting adjourned at 12:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
 

Manny Barrera
Secretary

E-mail comments to Manny Barrera