ITFP Minutes July 16 2020Idaho Tree Farm Committee Meeting -July 16, 2020
Time: 9:39 a.m.
CDA Extension Office
1808 N 3rd St
CDA, ID

IDAHO TREE FARM PROGRAM
9:30am-12pm, Thursday, January 17, 2019
U of I Extension Office
1808 N 3rd St. Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815

1. Call to Order
President Sean Hammond called the meeting to order at 9:30a.m. Those present for all or part of the meeting were:
Sean Hammond, ITFC Chairman/ Tree Farmer
Doug Bradetich, ITFC Budget/ IFG
Kurt Koetter, IFOA/Tree Farmer
Andy Eckberg, ITFC District 1 Chair/IFG
Steve Funk, IFOA/Tree Farmer
Janet Funk, ILRCC/Tree Farmer
Colleen Meek, ITFC Administrator
Madeline David, ITF Incoming Treasurer/Tree Farmer
Kirk David, IFOA/Tree Farmer
Robbie Easley, IDL
Tim Schaffer, ITFC District 2 Chair/BLP
Steve Cuvala, ITFC Outgoing Treasurer/IDL
Mary Fritz, IDL/ITFC Certification Chair/IDL
Matt Engberg, Inspector Training Facilitator/NWM
Russ Hegedus, ITFC Past Chairman/IFG
John Lillehaug ,ITFC District 3 Chair/ All About Forestry
Scott Sievers, IDL
Erin Bradetich, ITFC Communication Chair/IFG
Chris Schnepf, UI

2. Anti-Trust Statement
Sean Hammond reviewed the Anti-Trust Statement with the Committee.

3. Look over and review and approve Q4 Meeting Minutes
Sean asked if there’s any correction to the 4th Quarter Meeting Minutes. Russ Hegedus moved we accept as read. Andy Eckberg Seconded the Motion, with voice vote, the motion passed.

4. Review Q4 2018 Treasurer’s Report
Steve Cuvala presented the Treasurer’s Report Program Funding year to December 31, 2018. Cash balance is currently $33,098.19 in the positive. Income for 2018 is 24, 404.66. Total expenses for 2018 was 19,403.13. ITFC received a check from ATFS for required inspections completed, which will be deposited in 2019. There’s was one expense recorded in 2019 as of date. Current balance to date for 2019 is $33,825.01.
Kirk David moved we file the treasure’s report for review. Andy Eckberg seconded the motion. With a voice vote the motion passed.

5. Review Budget
Doug and Sean had got together the week prior to prepare a draft budget. Doug went over the budget with the committee. It was asked if Steve Funk will do the OTFOY sign again, he said yes, he would. John Lillehaug asked about the “Forestry for Southern Idaho Tour”, budgeted for $500. It was discussed about the Family Forest Landowner Conference, payment was paid of $65 for registration for a display table. Regarding funds to cover the assessment, Doug let the committee know that National will pay $1000 now and $100 per each of the 20 audit sites later this summer for a total of $3000. The budget stands as approved. Kirk David moved approval of the budget, Andy Eckberg seconded the motion. With a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

6. Communications Report
Communication Chair, Erin Bradetich, said there will be a newsletter coming out soon. She had the Family Forest Landowners & Managers meeting but needed more topics for the Newsletter. It was suggested to enter about the audit to continue letting people know what is happening. A list of tree farmers was chosen to be assessed by PricewaterHouseCoopers (PwC). Per Mary Fritz it will be an opportunity to show off their tree farm. Discussion about the NRCS meeting that the EQIP application had a deadline of two weeks, which several of the tree farmers felt it was not acceptable. Chris Schnepf suggested an article might serve as a reminder. Chris did say UI Extension does have a 3-month schedule of events published. Sean asked if it was necessary for contractors to preregister for LEAP training and Chris indicate, yes, that is a requirement.

7. Old Business
a. Procedures for Dues implementation & update by-laws
Sean requested to table these topics until after the audit is over. Kurt Koetter voiced a motion to curtail until the July meeting. Steve Funk seconded the motion. With a voice vote, the motion passed.

b. Let the committee know who the Inspector of the year is for 2018, Robbie Easley.
Russ Hegedus introduced Robbie Easley to the committee. Tim Schaffer nominated Robbie Easley for the Inspector of Year.

c. Filled positions for the Idaho Tree Committee for 2019-2020
Vice President-Open
Treasurer – Madeline David. Kurt Koetter made a motion to nominate Madeline as Treasurer. Mary Fritz seconded the motion. With a voice vote, the motion passed Madeline as Treasurer. It was discussed if Madeline should take over the position in April or now (January). Madeline felt it would be better to accept position at the beginning of a year. It was agreed she would begin immediately.
Budget Subcommittee: Doug Bradetich will continue as chair.
Communication Subcommittee: Erin Bradetich will continue as chair.

d. Audit 2019
The audit preparation meeting was January 16, 2019 with Kristina Duff. There were 20 Tree Farmers picked to be assessed by PricewaterHouseCoopers (PwC). The tree farms picked for the 2019 assessment are located at Idaho, Valley, Shoshone, and Benewah counties. It’s very important to all the tree farmers that were picked to make sure their management plans are up to current standards as soon as possible. Per ATFS Standards of Sustainability, the contiguous & non-contiguous parcel issues need to be corrected. Karen of PwC was very impressed with Idaho getting a premium for logs from tree farmers. Mary Fritz asked to meet with the district chairs & any inspectors that are on the list right after the ITFC meeting.

8. New Business
a. Idaho Lands Resource Coordinating Council (ILRCC) Report-Janet Funk
Janet Funk reported there was a meeting Nov 1st in Coeur d’Alene. The biggest focus is on Priority Landscape for all lands. The Forest Action Plan-Purpose is to help landowners and managers in Idaho identify projects and activities that reduce threats to forests. How to format maps with GPS, size pixels, how its effects water quality, wildfires and could allow crew members to be more aware of their location. They could improve safety. The ecosystem benefits the forests.
Environmental or Climate Change- Governor Little, Says Climate change is real and here. Per Chris Schnepf the government did research on Climate change.
Good Neighbor Authority-Private property with needs-up and coming discussion.

b. Project Learning Tree (PLT) Report-Mary Fritz
Due to computer connectivity issues, Mary Fritz was not able to access all of her records at the meeting but reported there were no major issues regarding PLT to report on at this time.

c. 2019 NLC will be held in Louisville, Kentucky on Feb 26-28th, 2019. Erin Bradetich & John Lellehaug will be attending.
Theme: “Growing Forest Conservation, Together”

d. IFOA/Tree Farm Annual Moscow Meeting, March 24-26, 2019.
1. What to get or signs Tree Farmer of Year-Larry Cook, Logger of Year-Thomas Mackey, & Inspector of Year-Robbie Easley.
Steve Funk volunteered to make the sign and plaques.

2. Inspector gifts & awards-ideas?
Sean Hammond suggested no more vests, but Robbie Easley said he would take a vest, size XL.
John Lillehaug suggested gift cards or certificates, since a lot of inspectors have a quality of hats and t-shirts. Chris Schnepf suggested using Zome in Spokane for printing, Kirk suggested Bob Faulkner, and Russ suggested Pyramid Printing locally in CDA. It was suggested that we get more hats and a few winter hats with ear flaps. It was asked do all inspectors have to be graduate foresters? The answer was yes or have taken a range of required forestry classes.
It was suggested inspector with 1 tree farm-a $15.00 gift certificate, 5 and over more monies.
3. Handouts for Family Forest Landowner Conference
One suggestion was hat tac. It was suggested to ask National what they have available for outreach.
4. No Host Bar for the Awards ceremony & then dessert hour for the P.O.Y. What changes would we like to see this year?
Per Kirk David the FFLOC social that was held previously in the mall will be in Best Western this year, prior to the ITFC meeting. The FFLOC Steering Committee would like to combine with the ITFC social hour and split the cost between ITFC and FFL&MC, hoping more people will attend. Doug Bradetich moved to combine FFL&MC and ITFC Social and Kurt Koetter seconded the motion. Janet Funk suggested instead of having the dessert hour in another room have it in the same room as the social and meeting. Janet thought if we got a big cake everyone can enjoy it and visit. Sean moved that we have dessert in the same room. Madeline David seconded the motion. With a voice vote, the motion passed.

e. Inspections for 2019
1. Required: District 1 19 District 2 1 District 3 1
2. Optional: District 1 36 District 2 12 District 3 2
3. Pioneer: District 1 0 District 2 2 District 3 0

f. May 1-2, 2019 Fly In
Per Kirk David, IFOA and ITF split the cost, when Marcus Smith went last time. He would like to go again this year. The Fly-In is every two years. The date for the Fly-In is May 1 & 2, 2019.
Doug Bradetich moved to add $250 to the budget for the Fly-In. John Lillehaug seconded the motion, with a voice vote, the motion passed.

9. Other Business
John Lillehaug introduced his replacement at the IDL office, Scott Sievers. Scott will also become a tree farm inspector.

a. Next meeting date: Thursday, April 18, 2019
Colleen Meek asked for suggestions on a location if the fire hall isn’t available in April. ITF will have the July and October meetings at the UI Extension Office. Janet Funk volunteered their barn for our April meeting if the fire hall isn’t available.

10. Adjourn
Sean Hammond adjourned the meeting at 11:20a.m.

Respectfully submitted by,
Colleen Meek
ITFP Administrator
admin@idahotreefarm.org

IDAHO TREE FARM PROGRAM
9:00am-12pm, Thursday, October 18, 2018
Fire Hall #3 Kootenai County – 1500 N 15th St. – CDA, ID 83814

1. Call to Order
President Russ Hegedus called the meeting to order at 9:07a.m. Those present for all or part of the meeting were:
Russ Hegedus, ITFC President
Sean Hammond, ITFC Vice President, Tree Farmer
Doug Bradetich, IFG
Kurt Koetter, IDL/Tree Farmer
Andy Eckberg, ITFC District 1 Chair/IFG
Tim Schaffer, ITFC District 2 Chair/BLP
Steve Funk, IFOA/Tree Farmer
Janet Funk, ILRCC/Tree Farmer
Colleen Meek, ITFC Administrator
Madeline David, IFOA
Kirk David, IFOA
Tom Bollacker, Tree Farmer
Rich O’Quinn, IDL
Steve Cuvala, IDL
Mary Fritz, IDL/ITFC Certification Chair
Matt Engberg, NMI/ITFC Inspector Chair

2. Anti-Trust Statement
Russ Hegedus reviewed the Anti-Trust Statement with the Committee.

3. Look over and review Q3 Meeting Minutes
Russ Hegedus entertained a motion we accept as read. Motion approved.

4. Review Q3 2018 Treasurer’s Report
Steve Cuvala presented the Treasurer’s Report Program Funding year to date Cash balance is currently in the positive. Income was received from ATFS for required inspections completed, IFG for stumpage premium, and Enterprise Rental refund of deposit for IT Tour car rental.
Doug reviewed the current budget. It was suggested that the committee purchase a projector and box, since Doug would like to relinquish this task and asked for a volunteer to replace him. There was no response. Doug Bradetich moved approval of the Treasurer Report, Kurt Koetter seconded the motion. With a voice vote, the motion was carried unanimously.

5. Communications Report
Communication Chair, Erin Bradetich, was absent Doug Bradetich filled as proxy for Erin. A fall newsletter will be coming out first part of November 2018. Doug asked for suggestions for more topics for the newsletter. Committee discussed the question about UI Nursery Advisory Committee’s apparent refusal to acknowledge our representative from ITFC and IFOA’s representative (Steve Funk).

6. Old Business
a. 2018 Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year Tour, September 8th, 62 tree farmers and guests attended the fall tour. It was suggested next year might have different lunch menu.

b. Certification Chair filled with Mary Fritz.
Mary was wondering what her duties would be as a certified chair. Mary will work with Matt Engberg & National on audit logistics and keep will the state chapter informed. The new standards will be coming out for 2020-2024 Tree Farm Standards for Sustainability (forest management plan requirements) and maybe do some inspector training at the Moscow meeting.

c. National survey by Edge Contracting to clean up database.
The research will be done around the end of October. There will be three categories Decertification, Pioneer, and Certification. The Tree Farmer should also be asked if they’re participating in Idaho State Forest Stewardship Program.

d. Clean up previous “Dues Implementation”
After a lengthy Committee discussion for dues implementation, Doug stated that the previous vote was for a flat $10.00 per year and per tree farmer, as a couple will equal one. Doug moved to reconfirm this previous decision. Kurt Koetter seconded the motion. With a voice vote, Motion accepted unanimously. Kirk David questioned whether the ITFP, as a 501(c)3, (which IRS rules designate as a non-membership entity) could charge membership dues. Colleen Meek said, the ITFC accountant advised “dues”, but Kirk David said IFOA has both a (c)6 membership entity and a (c)3 non-membership entity for that reason after actively checking on IRS rules. Non-profit 501(c)3 entities can accept donations, so care should be taken as to how this arrangement is characterized.

7. New Business
a. PLT Report (Mary Fritz)
Mary Fritz reported (Per Michelle Youngquist) there will be 18 workshops in 2019 & Training for college students, including the Sustainable Forestry Tour for Teachers & Counselors. PLT will have the Photo contest, Arbor Day (last Friday in April), Essay contest, and the National Forest Product Week (3rd week in October). The STEM Outreach has approx. 2,000 participates in Idaho.
b. ILRCC Report (Janet Funk)
The ITFP representative Janet Funk stated the only current news at this time is that the IDL’s Forest Legacy Program had two applications this year (Schweitzer Mountain Resort and Molpus/Hancock), but Schweitzer later withdrew.

c. By-Laws Updates 501C3 status and “Dues Structure if Needed”
Discussion was included in “Old Business, Section d”

8. Inspections Update by District Chairs
a. Required: What’s been assigned & what’s been done?
John-District 3 – zero left
Tim-District 2 – 2 Requires will be done by end of November.
Andy-District 1 – Mike and Steve are working on them. Erin is working on 3 requires.

b. Optional and Pioneer’s – What’s been done?
District 1 – Doug said, he’ll have Mitch Westfall and Drew Westfall done in couple of weeks.
District 3 –Couple Optional will be done by end of November.

9. The vote on assessing a “Dues based membership to each Idaho tree farmer a due” i.e. Bob and Sue Jones get 1 due for the year. Likely due April 1, 2019 to renew again and be due on January 1, 2020.
This topic was discussed earlier in the meeting, “Old Business, section d”.

10. Other Business:
a. Future ITFC Open Positions for 2019-2020.
Treasure
Vice President
Budget Tracker
Communication-Will Erin still hold the position?

b. People of the Year
There was a discussion that took place for 2019 Logger of Year, 2019 Inspector of Year, and 2019 Tree Farmer of the Year, the announcement to be made at the annual meeting in March.

c. Mary Fritz reported there will be changes in the Forest Stewardship Program. It is uncertain how this will affect the IDL Program. There are more questions than answers right now. The new direction will focus on work taking place across ownership and within priority landscapes. The Forest Service and State coordinators and others will work to try to roll out in 2020.

d. Next meeting: January 17, 2019

Russ Hegedus adjourned the meeting at 11:12a.m.

Respectfully submitted by,
Colleen Meek
ITFP Administrator
admin@idahotreefarm.org