Roaring Creek Conservation Association

Meeting Minutes: September 21, 2006

7 PM Southern Columbia High School–Room 102

Attendance: Bob Rush; Kristen Vitkauskas; Carl Miller; Wayne Petro; Todd Rush; Cathy Haffner; Dave Ernest; Mike and Diane Holenda; Denny Strouse and Carey Entz–North’d County Conservation District; Tom Spock.

I. Bob introduced presenter Todd Rush–Resource Conservationist for the Columbia County Conservation District. Discussion topic was ‘Best Management Practices on Farms’.

II. Call to order/Bob Rush.

III. Meeting minutes from August meeting/Tom Spock.

IV. Treasurer’s Report/Carl Miller.

Carl reports ending balance as of 9-21-06 to be $991.75.

V. Old business.

A. Coldwater Heritage Partnership Grant Application. Intro by Bob–more info by Cathy. Filing due date for grant was 9-15-06; Cathy noted that grant applications could be filed at later date.

B. Chesapeake Bay Foundation ‘Free Trees for Streams’. Intro by Bob/additional comments by Cathy. Good idea to have more extensive pre-planning, ie., exploration of potential sites for planting along with what trees would be best suited for specific locations. Possibility of having presentation in January to discuss the project in greater detail. Pre-order for trees in March 2007.

C. Watershed Forum in West Virginia/November 2006. Bob, Kristen and Cathy are planning to attend this event. Registration date is September 30, 2006.

D. Partnership with DCNR/local media. Bob noted the importance of continuing to work with local DCNR staff, as well as media outlets (WKOK–Mark Lawrence) to promote the association.

VI. New Business.

A. Stand at Early Bird Sports Expo. Bob noted there will be space available at the Expo for the association. The event will be held in January 25-28, 2007. Members are encouraged to attend the function; volunteers will be needed for the stand.

B. Signage along Rte. 42.

Bob noted that he contacted various local Township Supervisors–at this time, Bob hasn’t received any call-backs.

C. Duration of ‘dues period’. Carl introduced the topic. It was determined that renewal times for yearly memberships would be the same month any member joins. Example–an individual joins as yearly member in February 2006, renewal would be due in February 2007.

D. Halloween parade. Wayne introduced the topic–asked if the association would consider having a float for the October 28, 2006 Catawissa Halloween parade. General consensus of membership was not enough time would be available to prepare a float for the event. Keep the topic in mind for 2007.

E. Promoting Aquatic Education. Bob introduced the topic, Kristen gave additional info. 5th grade students at Southern Columbia School District will have an upcoming (Oct. 10, 2006) opportunity to have a ‘hands-on’ experience with aquatic education along Roaring Creek, at the school’s nature trail. Request was made to donate water for the event left-over from the July activity the association participated in. Bob called for motion; 1st by Carl, 2nd by Wayne.

F. Next meeting. Bob noted the next meeting would be held on 10-19-06 at 7 PM, Southern Columbia High School/Room 102. Presenter for the meeting will be Dr. Steve Rier, Aquatic Ecologist from Bloomsburg University. Dr. Rier will discuss basic stream ecology, and present preliminary results from his research in the Roaring Creek watershed.

Bob called for motion to adjourn the meeting; 1st by Kristen, 2nd by Carl. Bob adjourned the meeting. *NOTE* Thanks to two new members–Mike and Diane Holenda.

Copyright © 2006 - Roaring Creek Valley Conservation Association