Donna Heffernan, 2nd VP Ken Faulk, PP

Transcription

1 Board of Directors Meeting February 3, 2011 State Office Salem, Oregon Draft Attending: Jim James, Executive Director Jim Brown, Washington County Nancy Hathaway, President Dave Bateman, Linn County Scott Hayes, President Elect Paul Nys, Columbia County Dallas Boge, Treasurer Ken Nicholls, Douglas County Katie Kohl, Secretary Scott Russell, Columbia County Dave Schmidt, 2nd VP Joe Steere, Lincoln County Bill Potterf, 2nd VP Tim Otis, Linn County John Barnes, Woodlands Carbon Marsha Carr, Benton County Joe Holmberg, Oregon Tree Farm System Jean McCloskey, Clackamas County Jim Johnson, Oregon State University (Forestry Extension) Allan Foutch, OFIC Chapters Not Represented: Peter Daugherty, ODF Central OR Mike Cloughesy, OFRI-Director Clatsop Roger Beyer, OSWA Lobbyist Coos-Curry Paul Barnum, OFRI-Executive Director Grant Sarah Deumling, CFF Lane Marion/Polk Not Represented: Tillamook Donna Heffernan, 2nd VP Yamhill Ken Faulk, PP Welcome and Call to Order After self-introductions, President Nancy Hathaway called the meeting to order at 10:05. The agenda was approved. Bill Potterf from the Jackson/Josephine Chapter was introduced as a new member of the Executive Committee. Bill was appointed by Nancy Hathaway to replace Roy Hendrick who recently resigned. Bill will serve the remainder of Roy s term as 2 nd VP. Administrative Business The October 1, 2010 Minutes were unanimously approved after a motion by Joe Steere with a second by Dave Schmidt. Executive Committee Activities: Director Jim James reported that since the October 1, 2010 Board meeting the Executive Committee had endorsed the 2010/2011 Budget approved by the Board with the provision it be monitored regularly with adjustments made if necessary. The EC has been focusing on Membership, the 2011 Legislative Session, the Annual Meeting, and the Howdy Neighbor program since the October 2010 Board meeting. There is a need to reactivate the Howdy Neighbor Committee. Interested parties should contact Jim James. At 1

2 this time tentative tours are scheduled for Coos/Curry County, Washington County, Baker County, Clatsop County, and Klamath County. Any chapter wishing to conduct a Howdy Neighbor tour in 2011 should contact Jim James. James is planning to be an active participant in Howdy Neighbor Tours in the next few years. Financials: Treasurer Dallas Boge reviewed l) OSWA Balance Sheet and 2) OSWA Income and Expenses. OSWA currently has $82,297 in the bank. Revenues and Expenses are in line with the projected budget. OSWA has received about 81% of the membership dues for November, December, and January. Paul Nys asked about the expected income of $10,000 still to come in from the Patron Program. Jim James explained with the slow economy the Patron Program has been slow, but he is making personal connections and at this time, the $10,000 budgeted for 2011 is still reasonable. Paul Nys also asked about members' donations. Several members have sent donations; Jen Rains sends out appreciation notes, but James and Rains will find ways to acknowledge these gifts. Ken Nicholls asked about the timing of the chapter rebate checks. Rebate checks will be sent out to chapters in July. Membership Status: 81% of the members whose dues were due in the first three months of OSWA s fiscal year have been paid. 156 members are not yet renewed, but payments are still coming in. Full retention of members is very important to OSWA. The prognosis at this time is good. There will be efforts in 2011 to create a new chapter in Klamath County where OSWA already has three members at large. 2009/2010 Work Plan Accomplishments: Jim James provided a handout and reported that we are making progress on the Work Plan. The OSWA website is now up and working. James and Hathaway have been attending chapter annual meetings presenting progress on state programs. To date, since November 1 st, 12 chapters have been visited. Cooperative work with OTFS has been enthusiastically supported by both memberships. Five Howdy Neighbor Tours are being planned. James sees no reason to change our fire insurance program but will monitor for future considerations. OSWA is still using the old membership brochure which has some wrong information ($ and insurance and address), but there are stickers with the correct information available. Dave Bateman suggested we use the membership page on the website to give out to new members. The website does have a membership application and directions on how to become a member. Nancy Hathaway offered the membership Committee to oversee the needed brochure revision. Efforts still need to be made to develop an awards program, a succession plan for the board, and an OSWA self-evaluation program. Joe Holmberg offered OTFS's self-evaluation program as a starting place.. Woodlands Carbon John Barnes from China Creek Consulting announced that he has taken the place of Matt Delaney as the consultant to support the operations of Woodlands Carbon Company (WCC). 2

3 He began by reporting that during a recent meeting with Clint Bentz, Chairman of the Board at American Forest Foundation, it was confirmed that AFF will continue with their grant funding support of WCC through the end of this year. WCC has a revised work plan that will focus on the marketing side of carbon offsets. The focus is to generate interest from over the counter buyers and they are engaging in preliminary discussions with several organizations and firms mainly in the travel, tourism, and energy sectors. Work continues with the current landowners under contract and John will be developing a specific GIS application that will be used to document and track the carbon offset transactions as well as potentially providing a cost effective growth and yield model geared toward the small woodland owner. The primary goal for WCC this year is to sell the current carbon offset tons under contract and to add another 5,000 acres to the pool. The marketing strategy is to sell the carbon offsets at $10 per ton which would make Woodlands Carbon self-sustaining in 2012, provide significant revenues to our contracted landowners, and continue to provide financial support to OSWA. Questions: Ken Nicholls asked how WC will know when it can increase the number of land owners. JB: When we have a buyer. Sarah Deumling asked if people under contract can be held to the $10 carbon credit. JB: Yes, through 2013, a one-time payout for the contract period. Those involved need AFF verification to be a part of the project. Dave Bateman asked the acreage range. JB: 40+acres. DEQ Rule Making for Water Quality Jim James reported that the DEQ has proposed new toxin levels for streams that would initiate the need for a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) allocation for those streams whose levels are above the new standards. The EPA mandated the DEQ modify the toxin levels in streams to account for a higher fish consumption rate requested by Native Americans. Of concern to OSWA is the wording in the TMDL process that suggests DEQ, not the Board of Forestry, would have authority to regulate stream buffers on forested streams. Peter Daugherty confirmed that OR Statutes say DEQ cannot regulate forest owners unless the Board of Forestry fails to implement a good plan. Daugherty is looking to find a way to work with DEQ to resolve the problems and the process. OSWA has asked it members to comment to the DEQ about our concerns in the Rule Making process. The comment period was until February 23 rd, but has been extended to March 21 st. James provided a handout giving information about the Rule Making process and how to make personal responses of concerned from woodland owners. Tim Otis noted that the Forest Practices rules have been amended many times and it is important that we do the right thing scientifically regarding the toxins and the temperature. Rule-making and decisions should still stay with the Board of Forestry as long as decisions are based on good scientific evidence. (Otis, a forest hydrologist, has recently researched water issues in the Hinkle River system.) 3

4 Committee Reports Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) Roger Beyer provided two handouts: One was the Governor's Balanced Budget which recommends changing the 50/50 split (50% landowners and 50% General Fund) for forest fire funding to 55% landowner and 45% General Fund. OSWA will oppose this change. The other was a summary of bills being monitored. Roger discussed some of the bills important to OSWA. Such as: HB Prohibits importation of untreated firewood into the state. (Support) HB Reduces limit on forest patrol assessment rates for lands east of summit of Cascade Mountains and certain other areas. (Support) HB Reduces rate of tax on capital gains of personal income and corporate income and excise taxpayers. (Support) SB Replaces inheritance tax imposed on basis of former federal credit for state death tax with estate tax imposed as a percentage of Oregon taxable estate. (Support) HB Extends privilege taxes on merchantable forest products harvested on forestlands. (Support) HB 2238 Permits small woodland owner to register vehicle as farm vehicle. (Support) HB Eliminates Oregon inheritance tax on transfers of property occurring as result of decedents who die on or after January 1, (Support) SB 320 Adjusts sunset of tax credit for reforestation. (Support) HB 2757 Allows owner of land to receive liquidated damages in amount not to exceed $1,000 in action in which owner establishes that owner closed land to specific activities and defendant entered upon land and engaged in prohibited activities without permission of owner. (Support) HB 2589 and SB Deletes definition of "applicant" for purposes of certain provisions related to removal-fill permitting program. (OSWA strongly opposes) HB 2700 and SB Expands definition of "applicant" for purposes of removalfill permitting program. (OSWA strongly opposes) SB Establishes Task Force on Natural Resource Agency Consolidation. (Oppose) SB 345 Requires that one member of the Board of Forestry is a representative of organized labor. (Oppose) SB 521 Establishes Oregon Department of Natural Resources and Oregon Natural Resources Commission. (Oppose) HB 2188 Changes the definition of integrated pest management for purposes of state agency practices. (Oppose) Tim Otis asked the motivation for HB Roger Beyer responded that HB 2700 is sponsored by those who would like to make it easier for the natural gas pipeline in NW Oregon It is an attack on private property rights fundamental to OSWA policy. Mike Cloughesy commented that natural resources people are working well together this legislative session. Scott Russell commented that Watershed folks are doing good work in the state. We need to work with them, keeping in mind the multi-jurisdictional districts in our woodlands. Before more rules are made we need to talk about what are the problems. 4

5 Membership Nancy Hathaway reported that each chapter needs a membership committee, not simply one person. Hathaway asked chapters to let her know if the membership emphasis has made a difference. The next Membership Committee meeting will be Thurs Feb 10 at which time a new dues structure for new members having 15 or fewer acres and desiring only an online membership will be discussed, Comments from the Board on a new dues structure for smaller (15 acres or less) members were as follows: --Scott Russell: not sure if it would be effective for 15 acre sites --Jim Brown: Wash Co. Board supports a three-tier membership --Paul Nys: Has there been a survey to consider if these types of membership are worth pursuing? --Joe Holmberg: These considerations mirror what AFF/OTFS is dealing with. --Tim Otis: OR has land-use restrictions. OSWA membership is an important element establishing forest ownership as a legitimate business for tax purposes. --Bill Potterf: Jackson Co. has 6718 owners of 2 acres-5,000 acres, 18% of the states total (200,000 acres). --Katie Kohl: Using positive words, stewardship foresters for example, in describing the nontimber-harvest-priority owners will help us build memberships with these folks. --Marsha Carr: Small landowners protest large fees for membership. --Dave Bateman: Have we considered sharing memberships with OTFS? Joe Holmberg responded that OSWA and OTFS have had that discussion. Chapters were reminded to use the website to get out information about chapter activities. Hathaway requested a motion to appoint a Minutes Committee at the Annual Membership Meeting to read, edit and approve the minutes in a timely manner. Jim Brown so moved, Joe Steere seconded and all approved. Annual Meeting Jim James provided a handout of the three-day Annual Meeting scheduled for June 23 rd thru June 25 th in collaboration with OTFS. The theme is Dealing with Changing Realities in Woodland Management. Doug Decker, State Forester, hopes to speak at our Annual Meeting. Greg Walden has been invited to speak at lunch on Saturday s woods tour. Partner Reports Oregon Forest Resource Institute (OFRI) Paul Barnum reported that two OSWA members-- Dave Schmidt and Ann Hanshu are members of the OFRI Board of Directors. Barnum shared the OFRI "hold-the-line" draft budget based on a poor economy. However, the export logs going to China (from Coos Bay and Long View) are currently helping the market which could increase OFRI revenues. OFRI has two missions: educate the public and educate the land owners (with the help of state and private forestry plans). A publication on Oregon s Forest Practices Act requirements will be coming out in May. A new Oregon Forest Facts and Figures booklet is available now. Barnum had copies for all Board members present. OFRI s next Board Meeting is February 25 in Salem. During lunch Jim James demonstrated the new OSWA website. He gave credit to Marie Gale with its development. The special features, especially the Members Only section, were demonstrated. Chapters were again asked to share their information with Jen Rains to get it added to the website. 5

6 Partner Reports (continued) Oregon Department of Forestry Peter Daugherty reported Oregon's new State Forester is Doug Decker who sees his primary role as outreach to stakeholders and a resource protection system (fire, forest practices, forest health, etc.) Jim James noted that Doug Decker is very positive toward OSWA and woodland owners. The governor s balanced budget was friendlier to ODF than originally thought. The proposed split in fire protection which will increase landowner contribution to ODF s fire budget is offset by adding 1.2 million in General Funds back into the forest practice administration. Daugherty stated the governor values forest land owners. OSU Extension -Jim Johnson reported that the Forest Research Lab and Ag Extension are dealing with an 18-20% reduction in funds. OSWA is a high priority for OSU Extension. They are going through an administrative reorganization where county staff chairs are being eliminated and there is regional administrative grouping (although regions not yet identified). Focus will be on connecting with statewide programs such as forest practice, weeds, Ties to the Land, management planning, wildlife interface, etc. OR is one of few (along with Michigan, New York, Alabama, and Washington) to have a peer to peer woodland owners organization is the International Year of the Forest. Take note of the International speakers for the Starker Lectures. Oregon Tree Farmer System OTFS - Joe Holmberg reported that Oregon forestry has strength of its partnerships. The OTFS is being assessed (audited) by AFF to evaluate compliance with the Tree Farm System by OTFS members. Seventeen random OTFS members are being "assessed" (audited). The assessor was impressed with OTFS "Best Management Practices" and is using it as a model for national woodlanders. *OTFS wants to send out two newsletters a year to OSWA members. *Jim James and AFF propose that OSWA be the Oregon sponsor of OTFS and help with its office needs (phones, mailings) and provide a broader political base. Paul Nys recommends looking into the tax ramifications and writing an official, detailed memorandum of understanding. Both OSWA and OTFS Boards will vote on this proposal when it is developed more fully. Oregon Forest Industries Council (OFIC) Alan Foutch * John Poppino is again OSWA s representative to the OFIC Board *Budget: OFIC supports a full budget for ODF that includes stewardship, fire, forest practices and is working with OSWA and ODF to find the best ways of collaboration. *There is controversy about the use of herbicides around buildings. OFIC is working with OSWA to establish some manageable regulations. *Board of Forestry's Cal Mukumoto's term ends in September. Elected as an Eastern OR rep, he now lives in North Bend. *Forest roads: OFIC is looking for a full court review from the 9th Circuit Board of Appeals on the unfavorable discussion received from a three judge panel of the 9 th Circuit on the NRDC verses Brown lawsuit that identified forest roads as a point source of pollution under the Clean Water Act. The EPA will submit a late amicus brief as friend of appeal in support of OFIC s position. 6

7 Committee for Family Forests (CFF) Sarah Deumling reported: *CFF advises the Board of Forestry. Peter Daugherty, Mike Cloughesy, and Jim James are on the Board along with land owner representatives. Most landowner representatives are OSWA members. The public is welcome to the meetings. *Address water quality, eco systems services (e.g. carbon), etc. *Various CCF representatives will attend OSWA Board meetings as ex-officio members. Chapter Reports *Benton (Marsha Carr): Benton County is planning a van tour, led by Rick Fletcher, to the Annual Meeting with a stop along the way at Breese Ranch. A Woodland Information Night is planned with Linn Co. in Albany on March 3 rd. *Clatsop (Jim James): Jim James met with the Clatsop County Chapter and they plan to become reengaged. They are planning a Howdy Neighbor Tour and membership drive this summer. *Clackamas (Jean McCloskey): Last Saturday 52 members held a potluck meeting with a program about forestry in Alaska, Costa Rica and OR. Tree School is coming up on March 19 th and will be put on the web site! Chapter is planning a business meeting in April with Mike Cloughesy. *Columbia (Scott Russell): Columbia County is busy with tree sale and membership drive. The chapter provided three grants funding GPS training in schools, a nature trail, and a school garden. Also, 5th graders are subsidized for a field trip to the Forestry Center. $35 membership rebate is given to new members. And...They have new hats! *Douglas (Ken Nicholls): Annual Membership meeting is scheduled for February 24 th in Roseburg with Mike Cloughesy as speaker. Chapter is looking for a website director. *Jackson/Josephine (Bill Porterf): Annual meeting last month. Appreciated Jim James' visit. Chapter has a strong board with two new members and two professional foresters. Seven tours on Saturday. They are working on retaining members. *Lincoln (Joe Steele): Recent successful day-time annual meetings. Dave Shaw presented a program on Forest Health and the Swiss Needle problem. The chapter appreciated Jim James' visit. Lincoln County Chapter supports a bill that would double the fees collected for County Surveyors to re-establish missing section corners and recommends that GAC/OSWA needs to support the bill. James responded that this issue would be addressed at the next GAC meeting. *Linn (Tim Otis): Chapter had a successful, fun annual meeting, thanks to Dave Bateman. Thanks also to Jim James and Nancy Hathaway for being there. Chapter is doing some rebates for new members to assist in a new membership effort. The chapter s Seedling Sale scheduled for Feb 19th has something new..."goods from the woods" where miscellaneous products made by members can be sold. Chapter is cooperating with Benton Chapter via Rick Fletcher for tours, Woodland Info, etc. On June 18 th there will be a tour to Avery Forest in 7

8 Jordan with Pete Mastenbrook. Linn Co. is planning to get information on the website soon...promise! *Washington (Jim Brown): Jim James spoke at annual meeting. Membership increased with two Ties to the Land sessions and a Management class. Chapter will have a plant sale in March to fund scholarships. Seedling sale is sold out. Howdy Neighbor Tree Farm Tour Sat. July 23 at Terry Howell's place. Trail building in June. Other Business Jim James Membership dues invoice timing: The current membership dues invoicing, every month, is very time consuming. If we invoiced quarterly we could save at least four days of office time. Membership dates will stay the same only the invoicing dates will change. The Board had no objections and directed Jim James to make the change to quarterly invoicing. OSWA's Fiscal Year begins Nov 1. James wondered why and was informed that a former staff person preferred that date. Dallas Boge said that makes no sense now and recommended we revert to January 1. James will check into tax implications and make a recommendation to change at a future meeting. There was no opposition to making a change. Reconsideration of Board Call Meeting time and date: Some board members suggested we change the Board Conference Call schedule. After discussion, it was agreed to change from Fridays to Thursdays running from 8:00 am to 9:00 am. The next Board Conference Call is scheduled for Thursday, March 10 th from 8-9 am. One can participate in Salem or via conference call. OTFS and OSWA collaboration *David Schmidt was presented with a 25 Year Tree Farm sign for his Harlan, Lincoln Co. Tree Farm. Jim James and others are presenting Tree Farm signs to OSWA members who have earned them at OSWA Chapter meetings. *Motion by Paul Nys, seconded by Dallas Boge, and approved by all to authorize Jim James to proceed with considerations of OSWA becoming the sponsor of OTFS. Respectfully submitted, Katie Kohl, Secretary February 7,