ROARING CREEK VALLEY CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION

Minutes of December 17, 2009 Monthly Meeting

Meeting was called to order by President Wayne Petro.

Meeting was held at the stone house at the McWilliams Reservoir. A covered dish supper was held in conjunction with the meeting.

Dr. Matt McTammany from Bucknell University briefed the group on the Roaring Creek Watershed Experimental Project.  The University has entered into an agreement with the DCNR to utilize the reservoir area as a teaching and research facility.

The November minutes were read and accepted as read.

The treasurer’s report was given by Vickie Zackowski.  A balance of $5293.37 is on hand.

Cathy Haffner noted that IRS Form 990 will need to be filed.

A Roaring Creek Trail log book that was filled was available to be read.

Old Business:

Kristen Vitkauskas and Wayne Kashner were elected to two year terms for Vice President and Secretary, respectively, by acclamation. They were the only nominees for these positions.

A bylaw amendment proposal regarding Article IV, Section 1 was unanimously voted in favor of to allow Association monthly meetings to be held at locations outside of the Roaring Creek Watershed. The amended Section 1 now reads: Monthly meetings will be held the 3^rd Thursday of each month, including the annual meeting in December, at a location as designated by the officers. The monthly meetings may alternate between business meetings and presentations on a topic of relevance to the objectives of the Association.

Association involvement with the storm-water runoff plans at the Southern school district campus remains unknown at this time.

Hats, short sleeve and long sleeve shirts displaying the Association logo have been acquired and are available for purchase by any interested person at the following prices:

Hat - $8.00 (member); $10.00 (non-member); $7.25 cost to RCVCA

Short sleeve - $6.00 (member); $8.00 (non-member); $4.95 cost to RCVCA

Long sleeve - $8.00 member); $10.00 (non-member); $6.95 cost to RCVCA

A motion to sell the items at these prices was made by Steve Rier, 2^nd by Leon Shoup.  Motion passed.

New Business:

A stream bank erosion repair project on privately owned property along the Roaring Creek’s South Branch was discussed as a potential project in which the Association may become involved in conjunction with the Fish & Boat Commission, Columbia County, a local sportsman’s group and the property owner.  While still in the talking stage, it is expected this project would be completed by August 2010.

Cathy Haffner suggested the Association may want to sponsor a Bio-Blitz, partnering with the DCNR, Bloomsburg University and Bucknell University.  A Bio-Blitz is a snapshot of bio-diversity in a given area and can be conducted in a specific time period such as 24 hours.  This would be an educational opportunity for participants; the results can be compiled and provided to other parties such as the DCNR.  Planning could take place in 2010 with the Bio-Blitz taking place in 2011.

At the encouragement of President Petro, the group concluded the meeting with a stirring rendition of ‘Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer’.

Wayne Kashner

Secretary