Approved Minutes

Virginia Audubon Council Meeting

Portsmouth, VA

April 26, 2003

 

Attending:  Ellen Ackerman, Caroline Coe, Margaret O’Bryan, Lynn Tennefoss, Clark White, Andy Tate, Deblyn Flack, Gray Puryear, Sue Carlyle, E.L. Carlyle, Juliana Simpson, Farimae Tate, Desiree Sorenson-Groves

 

VA STATE OFFICE - Lynn Tennefoss

 

Lynn Tennefoss gave an update on the state office initiative.  Continue to move slowly, because of fundraising climate and economics.  Have not defined next step in VA.  An Oregon state office just opened; Audubon now has 27 state offices.  NAS does not foresee another this year.  In the meantime, plan to build up major donor base.  The Lucy & John James Audubon Giving Club, established in 2002, targets gifts of $1K and up.  Need to rollout further and also design a hands on cultivation opportunity in donors’ states---e.g. a field trip with meal provided.

 

Science office grant from National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for Healthy Habitat program

 

NRCS has not determined who within the agency will administer the funds.  Meeting on Tuesday  to hammer out details.  One pilot in state with office (Ohio) and one without state office (VA). 

 

Demo project, backyard habitat, healthy gardening techniques, agricultural practices.  Want to move people from doing to helping others do too.  Including kids in project would be ideal.

 

Seattle Audubon developed a handbook specific to that area.  It can be seen as a template for developing more throughout the country.  500 workbooks across the country would be wonderful. 

 

IBA UPDATE

 

Caroline Coe distributed a one-page program update.  Met with Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF), NAS, and Virginia Society of Ornithology (VSO) for buy-in and continuing support.  Ellen Ackerman named interim IBA coordinator. She and Lynn just returned from TX conference.

 

Ellen Ackerman outlined plans for moving forward.  There are three phases to this long-term project:  I. id, nominate places (ongoing process); II. monitoring and conservation planning; and III. ongoing management and conservation.

 

Currently, Phase I, money from DGIF (from CARA funding); 3 years potential of funding but have to reapply annually.  Requires 25% matching funds.  Complex fund accounting.

 

Ellen proposes the formation of 3 committees: 

I. Appoint a contract compliance committee to oversee deliverables; II. A steering committee to establish the project purpose in VA and set major goals.  John Sparr, Bill Portlock of the (VSO) have agreed to serve.  Need VAC, DGIF and VSO reps---Jeff Cooper.  Other stakeholders; III. A technical committee with the knowledge, interest and ability to develop the scientifically valid criteria for IBA; develop nomination forms; decision-making.  (11 people; regional representation). 

 

Need to begin recruitment for permanent coordinator, but must consider VAC commitment to the project.  In states with office, the IBA coordinator is employed by state office.  VAC envisions rolling IBA into VA state office when opened.  In the meantime, IBA moving out front.

 

Part of the grant (not in the contract) is to produce a book.  Need monitoring data to develop the case for site nomination (2-page form).

 

Lynn offered alternative.  Make the person a NAS employee and have co-managed by NAS science and VAC.  Many advantages, including expertise and coordination with NAS; employee benefits, resources.  No money for the position, but can fundraise for it.  Several foundation fundraising prospects.

 

Next:  Ellen to attend VSO conference next week.  Report due to DGIF on expenditures by end of month.  Keep structure in place for next 3 months.  Consider changes at next meeting.

 

Send Ellen names of people for technical committee.

 

Desiree Groves - NAS priorities during 108th Congress

 

Desiree, the NAS Regional Grassroots Coordinator, highlighted NAS’ public policy priorities, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Arctic drilling, Department of Defense enviromental exemptions, population and habitat, and invasive species.   Desiree is happy to come speak to chapters on any number of issues.

--Swank ruling that “isolated wetlands” may not be afforded same protection.  NAS is about to release a kit to help localities determine whether a wetland.

--ANWR (Sens. Warner and Allen are pro drilling).  Drilling not in budget conference committee, but in House Energy bill

--DoD exemptions to enviromental laws:  in 2002 Migratory Bird Treaty Act lost on issue.  Wants to also be exempt from ESA.

--State Wildlife Grants—Invitation to Training and Lobby Day May 21st.  Interior/CARA  funding for state agency’s non-game species protection.  Can go to agencies for chapter’s protection work.  Wolf and Moran on appropriation committee and Interior subcommittee.  Warner loves this program and can influence more money, especially for VA.  Deblyn Flack of Fairfax Audubon will attend.

Invasive species—website to be launched on May 15th www.stopinvasives.org

 

Miranda Strutton, Executive Director, Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve

 

Miranda shared a personal story of people making a difference.  The preserve is the result of a grassroots effort, and is a protected natural area in a sea of development.  At one time, the area was considered surplus land up for grabs by developers.  Neighbors wanted to preserve. Today recognized as one of the state’s birding and wildlife places.  Building a Nature Center @ $600K.

 

Adjourned @ 12:15pm