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Labor Day 2008
A very small group (24) gathered at Glen Maury Park for the official state meeting, which outgoing president Ginnie Peck promptly called to order.
Secretary’s Report Linda VanLuik reported that the Memorial Day meeting minutes should be available via the website and via the state newsletter. Minutes from the Memorial Day meeting were accepted as they appeared in an Email version of the newsletter which would also be mailed at a later date by the newsletter editor to members without Email.
Treasurer’s Report The report was distributed and accepted. Ending balance as of July31, 2008 was $9,531.77. The certificate of deposit-- balance $7,680.73-- coming due September 5, 2008 will be reinvested.
Membership Report No report from Beth Willoughby
Web Master’s Report Bob Born posted the state newsletter prior to the Labor Day meeting and requested additional information to post.
Newsletter Editor’s Report Persons who prefer to receive their newsletter via Email, please let the Newsletter Editor know; this will cut down on printing/mailing costs of hardcopies.
Conservation Report Conservation chair Bill Tanger reviewed three conservation issues and three access issues. Overview of the state of the rivers in Virginia In a biannual report, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has identified an increase of polluted waterways; only a third are monitored each year. Based on time and cost issues, Friends of the Rivers has not yet decided whether to do a report. New River fly ash issue Depositing fly ash at the Glen Lyn power plant may still be of concern, although a state legislative committee is looking at what kind of legislation may be needed to prohibit fly ash being deposited near water sources. Shenandoah River fish kills Although there were spring fish kills, small mouth are surviving. Indications lead some river groups to suspect that poultry waste may be a culprit. Cushaw Dam access The railroad is not responding to requests for access across their right of way; the creation of a Virginia Rail Authority would result in an organization with the power to address river access, in addition to other issues related to railroads in Virginia. Roanoke River Access Representatives from Roanoke County recently met with the Virginia Department of Transportation in Richmond to clarify the status of a put-in on Rutrough Road that was declared by Explore Park to be an old ford abandoned by VDOT and therefore their property. Gauley River Access Recent actions among a consortium of groups has resulted in access at two points: Wood’s Ferry and Mason’s Branch.
Foundation Report No official report for the foundation was presented, but Bill Tanger mentioned two possible candidates for the Randy Carter award; an individual, 1) Rick Roth; and 2) the Green Team-- a group of people key in keeping citizen’s advisory boards for the air and water control departments from being eliminated by legislative action -- who were recognized by the Virginia Conservation Network.
Old Business None
New Business Some discussion followed, noting the low attendance at the membership meeting and what some of the possible causes might be: lack of notification, conflicting interests, etc. The Winter Meeting will be held December 6 at Cumberland State Forest where the agenda and calendar is set for the upcoming year. Members are urged to attend.
Nominating Committee The slate of FFV officers, chairpersons and appointed positions was presented and accepted: President: Don Simms Vice Presidents: Bill Duncan Ken Ingram Erica Simms Richard Webster Conservation: Bill Tanger Membership: Beth Willoughby Secretary: Linda VanLuik Treasurer: Katherine Waller Appointed positions: Newsletter editor: Allison Herbert Webmaster: Bob Born
Announcements and Adjournment After the announcement that the Dickel Bash will take place the weekend of September 27, Ginnie Peck then symbolically passed the paddle to Don Simms-- in absentia, and adjourned the meeting. |