FORT COLLINS AUDUBON SOCIETY
BOARD MEETING
Minutes for May 6, 1999

MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob Blinderman, Scott Baily, Barb Turnbull, Rick Harness, John Waddell, Sue Kenney, Joel Hurmence, Dale Agger, Rick Schroeder, Cynthia Melcher, Kelly Olson, Kathleen Tracy, Susan Kirkpatrick, Bill Miller, Ron Harden, Jackie Boss

NEW BUSINESS
Susan Kirkpatrick, Executive Director of the Colorado State Office, joined the meeting to introduce herself and describe her position and some of the projects they have going. Susan will be based initially in the Boulder office. In Colorado, Grand Junction and Chatfield are primary sites being considered for Audubon nature centers. Susan can be reached via email: skirkpatrick@audubon.org

Kelly Olson came to solicit more people to participate in some of the political issues, such as wetlands preservation and lobbying for open space areas. It is a struggle to get the 800+ members involved. Kelly suggests focusing on the local level. Bill Miller suggested subscribing to the COGENERAL listserv. Linda Stanley is the contact for the open space initiative in Fort Collins.

Sue Kenney discussed the Adopt a Natural Are Program. The idea is to choose an area to keep clean of litter, and perhaps do some weeding or planting. Someone needs to be there to sign waivers, keep track of volunteer's time, etc. Rick Schroeder motioned to adopt the Fossil Creek Wetlands area ­p; the motion passed.

Bill Miller discussed revisions to the by-laws. Many motions were made and dropped. Ultimately, a motion passed to eliminate Article 3, Section 2 and to leave Article 3, Section 4. Additionally, a motion passed for a quorum to be defined as two elected officers, one of which is the president or vice-president, and four other board members. Bill Miller will contact legal counsel to review the by-laws after the above changes have been made.

Colorado Important Bird Areas were discussed, and information was handed out. An IBA is defined as "any site that provides essential habitat to one or more bird species during some portion of the year and is distinguishable from the surrounding landscape." Nomination forms are coming.

CFO convention booth staffing: Cynthia and Kathleen will be there Friday PM (5-9). Kathleen will set up Thursday, and Dale and Barb Turnbull will be there Thursday from 6:30 on.

Rick Harness discussed the raptor video. $8,000 has been raised for the project. A 9-minute piece has been completed to generate more funds. Rick estimates a 25-30% fatality rate.

Committee Reports
TREASURER: Kathleen Tracy indicated there is $5,201.11 in the checking account. We're holding $1,040 for the raptor video project, so the actual balance is $4,161.11.

PROGRAMS: Jackie Boss is the new programs chair.

FIELD TRIPS: Scott Baily indicated summer field trips may be planned, and could be advertised via a postcard mailing.

BIRDATHON: Rick Schroeder indicated a good turnout and hopes participants will meet afterwards at Panhandlers.

MEMBERSHIP: Dale Agger said there are plenty of brochures on hand.

EDITOR: John Waddell suggested we review free memberships and make sure current free memberships still apply.