Idaho Tree Farm Program
Idaho Tree Farm Committee Meeting
9:30 – 12:00, Thursday, July 16, 2015
Coeur d Alene Fire Department, Station 3
1500 N 15th St. Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

Minutes

 

Call to Order

ITFC Chair Funk called the meeting to order at 9:45 a.m. Those present were:
Savannah Miller, ITFC/R&A
Steve Funk, ITFC Chairman/TFOY
G. Kirk David, ITFC/Tree Farmer
Madeline David, ITFC/Tree Farmer
Robert Barkley, District II Chair/ IDL /proxy for Gina Davis
Russ Hegedus, ITFC Vice Chair/Tree Farmer
Doug Bradetich, ITFC Past Chair/ IFG /proxy for Steve Cuvaula
John Lillehaug, ITFC District III Chair
Janet Funk, TFOY
Kurt Koetter, Tree Farmer
Ray Getchius, Tree Farmer
Chris Schnepf, U of I Extension

Andy Eckberg, ITFC District I Chair
Frank Gariglio, USDA/NRCS

Excused: Gina Davis and Steve Cuvala

Unexcused: David Bummer, Don Heikkila, Steve Bloedel, and Robert Keefe

 

Anti-Trust Statement
Chair Funk called the meeting at 9:45 a.m. and reviewed the anti-trust statement.

Minutes from April Meeting

Madeline moved to accept the minutes from last quarter as amended, Russ seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.

 

2015 Treasurer Report / Budget Review
Past Chair Bradetich reviewed the 2015 budget as of July 9, 2015. Budget started at $7191.17 as of January 1, 2015. Current balance is $17,097.11. Motion to approve the budget accepted by Kurt Koetter, Madeline David seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

 

Old Business
A) 2015 Required and Optional Inspections

Vice Chair Hegedus highlighted the importance of the District Chairs visiting with inspectors to complete the required inspections. One main point highlighted, was the funds from National that ITFC would receive for completing the inspections. Kirk David reminded the group that all inspections must comply with new standards and be on the new 004 form. He also emphasized the importance of inspectors to recertify according to the new standards on-line if they are able to do so, otherwise they will have to take a classroom training. Also of importance, is that 3 or 4 of the required inspections need to have inspectors reassigned before they can be completed. The District Chairs are responsible for assigning those inspections into the database. Inspectors also need to be encouraged to do optional inspections in order for ITFC to stay ahead.

 

1. Discussion and Adoption of By-Law Changes to sections 1-5 of the By-Laws and resume revisions with number 6 (Financials).

ITFC reviewed proposed changes to sections 1-8 of the By-Laws. Madeline David moved to add a certified Idaho Master Forest Steward as a potential ITFC member and Janet Funk seconded that motion. Chair Funk called for a vote and the motion was unanimously approved. Chair Funk called for the vote that the final version of proposed changes to the By-Laws be approved as discussed, with 9 in favor. Those in favor being: Janet Funk, Frank Gariglio, Chris Schnepf, Andy Eckberg, Ray Getchius, Kurt Koetter, Madeline David, Kirk David, and Russ Hegedus. Vice Chair Hegedus moved to have a reserved vote with an extension until July 30^th, and Janet Funk seconded that motion. Chair Funk called for a vote and the group unanimously approved. Those with reserved votes included absentees Gina Davis, David Brummer, Robert Keefe, Don Heikkila, and Steve Cuvala. Those who were present but still reserved were John Lillehaug and Robert Barkley.

 

1. C) Save the Date: TFOY Tour at Oscar Baumhoff’s Property, Sept. 12^th, 2015
   District III Chair John Lillehaug made arrangements with TFOY Oscar Baumhoff, to visit a few specific spots on his property for the tour. Suggestion was made to rent a bus to caravan visitors around the Tree Farm, as the goal is to spend one full day on the Baumhoff property. Attendees from northern Idaho would have to find lodging (in Idaho City) for two nights. Time frame: Coffee from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tour starts at 9:00 a.m. Idaho Tree Farm Committee will pay for the lunch which starts at noon. Decide on whether to cater the lunch or bring bagged lunches to the field site. Also porta potties would need to be provided with a wash station. Lillehaug will research and report to Chair Funk before August 1^st, so that the information is available for the IFOA and Tree Farm newsletters.

 

1. Overview from program assessment/audit/ FORI

Auditor was impressed with the assessment in both Idaho regions. There was a great overall participation from landowners and Inspectors. In regard to FORI, Inspectors will need to check with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) or other websites to determine if a property is of recognized importance.

 

 

New Business
A) 501-C3 Non-profit

Chair Funk reviewed the necessity of becoming a 501-C3 and informed the group that Tom Martin offered AFF (American Forest Foundation) expertise to help with filling out paperwork. Janet Funk pointed out that a set of By-laws, guidelines, and state incorporation paperwork will all need to be attached to the application.

1. B) Becoming incorporated Chair Funk will pursue ITFC becoming incorporated to protect all members’ liability.
2. C) Creating an internal financial review committee Past Chair Bradetich suggested to continue going forward with 3 members who have assisted with financial review in the past, and have other members contribute and participate as necessary. The volunteer committee for this year is Past Chair Doug Bradetich, Madeline David and Andy Eckberg. The Treasurer, Administrator and Chair also contribute.
3. D) ILRCC (Idaho Lands Resource Coordinating Council) – Janet Funk Janet Funk provided an overview of the discussions at the ILRCC meeting held on June 24^th. Tree Farm requested IDL to help determine if there are any FORI’s in the State of Idaho.

7)   Other Business:
A) Administrator work load and contracted hours                                                Janet Funk moved that the Executive Committee review and petition SFI for more funding to pay for Admin’s hours. Kirk David seconded that motion and it was passed unanimously.                                                                                     

1. C) Adding Jane Thornes to the Committee, PLT position                               Janet Funk moved to add a PLT (Project Learning Tree) position to the Committee, John Lilllehaug seconded that motion and it was approved unanimously by the group. Chair Funk may ask past TFOY Jane Thornes to be appointed to the PLT position.
2. D) New District Chair Robert Barkley will be stepping down from District II Chair, but will remain as an Inspector for ITFC. New Chair will need to be elected by the 15^th of December.
3. E) Next Meeting: Thursday, October 15^th 2015 If voting members cannot attend meetings, they need to call/email with an excused absence and plan on sending a proxy in their place.
4. F) Chair Funk adjourned the meeting at 12:18 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Savannah Miller

IDAHO TREE FARM PROGRAM
Idaho Tree Farm Committee Meeting
9:00 – 12:00, Thursday, January 15, 2015
Coeur d’Alene Fire Dept, Station 3 Meeting Room
Location: 15th Avenue and I90

MINUTES

1) Call to Order
ITFC Chair Steve Funk called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM. Those present were:
Robert Barkley, IDL
Susie Jude: Proxy for Gina Davis, IDL
Amanda Cutting, ITFC/ R&A
Doug Bradetich, IFG
Kurt Koetter, Tree Farmer
Ray Getchius, ITFC
Steve Bloedel, IFM
Andy Eckberg, IFG
Steve Funk, ITFC
Russ Hegedus, IFG
John Lillehaug, IDL
Steve Cuvala, IDL
Frank Gariglio, NRCS
G. Kirk David, ITFC
Madeline David, ITFC
Rob Keefe, U of I
2) Anti-Trust Statement
Chair Funk reviewed the policy statement in compliance with anti-trust laws.
3) Minutes of October Meeting
The minutes of the October 16th, 2014 meeting of the ITFC were approved. Robert Barkley moved, John Lillehaug seconded. Motion to approve October 2014 minutes unanimously passed.
4) 2014 Treasurer’s Report / Budget Review
a. Treasurer Steve Cuvala reviewed the 2014 ITFP finances and the status of ITFP. Stayed within the budget and stayed underneath budget for the NLC, which was primarily funded by grant money. Started 2014 with $4,856.35. Past Chair Bradetich and Treasurer Steve Cuvala reviewed the past 2014 budget and 2015 budget.
b. Madeline David moved, Robert Barkley seconded, to approve the past 2014 budget overview. Motion passed.
c. Past Chair Bradetich moved for the passing of 2015 budget, Robert Barkley seconded. Motion passed.
5) Discussion/Vote on 2015 Budget
Check coming from national soon, $9000. $500 extra for travel expenses. Need to know how many brochures to send out and or download to websites. Past Chair Bradetich and Chair Funk suggested that Idaho Tree Farm needs to get their own laptop computer, potentially a PA system for field days and other events, and a projector. John Lillehaug requested a case to carry display boards as well. Chair Funk suggested a $1500 budget for Program supplies/equipment. Madeline David said that sometimes Microsoft donates software to non-profits. Something to look into.
Motion amended. Russ Hegedus moved, Andy Eckberg seconded. Motion passed.
6) Strategic Plan Updates
a. Communications Subcommittee Report – Madeline David
We need to start being more involved with Constant Contact. We should make an inspectors list and utilize Constant Contact to notify them. ATFS, has been using our Newsletters as examples to other TF committees. Madeline David made point to tell our auditors at ATFS that the national brochure does not portray the concise TF purpose and is aimed towards a younger generation that the current TF demographic. After 2018 audits will cost us up to $7,000 per year (Up to 700 tree farms at $10 each). Need to construct a creative way to pay for this. Robert Barkley suggested that we compose a message/survey to all Idaho Tree Farms for certification. Take a vote at the state meeting, and/or Madeline David suggested putting a ballot in the Spring Newsletter, Constant Contact, or poll at the state meeting.
b. Inspector Training and Recognition Subcommittee Report – Kirk David
In the handouts today, information on inspector recognition. Award for Tree Farmer of the Year. Inspector of the Year gets a cruiser’s vest with the TF logo on the front. Inspectors that have done 5 or more inspections in a calendar year will receive a thermos (Need to verify the price.) or Cabelas gift card. One inspection completed within the last year, inspector will receive a TF hat or shirt.
Inspector training: AFF new standards: All new TF inspectors will have to go through more training. Any current inspector will have to complete an hour long internet training webinar. There will be seven questions to answer per segment, and the inspector will need to answer five of the questions right to pass to the next segment.
c. Certification Subcommittee Report – Steve Funk
With the upcoming audit taking most of our time the rest of this year, Chairman Funk had nothing further to add to this subcommittee at this time.
7) 2015 Outstanding Tree Farmer, Inspector and Logger of the Year Selection
Past Chair Bradetich:
a. Oscar Baumhoff – Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year
b. Tim Fuller – Outstanding Tree Farm Logger of the Year
c. Diane Partridge – Outstanding Tree Farm Inspector of the Year
Past Chair Bradetich moved, Robert Barkley seconded. Motion passed.
8) 2015 Program Audit – Recap Opening Meeting Results
Bradetich: 2 auditors, 24 sites to see. These sites include:
Bonner County
Gabrielsen – TF# 1846J
Magnusson – TF# 2748
Smith – TF# 3034
Watkins – TF#3425
Wood – TF# 3378
Boundary County
Atkins – TF#3396
Eby – TF# 2429
Farnsworth – TF#2127
McClintock – TF# 2659
Clearwater County
Crockett – TF# 2977
Hanes – TF# 2517

Kootenai County
Akers – TF# 3027
Koetter – TF# 2999
Schumacher – TF# 3426
Latah County
Bafus – TF# 1078
Harrison – TF# 826
Hatley – TF# 3116
McKetta – TF#2906
Norton – TF# 2299
Lewis County
Broker – TF# 3314
Riggers – TF# 3218
Woodruff – TF# 2312
Nez Perce County
Pomp – TF# 3110
Sheldon – TF# 3099
Collect management plans for all 24 sites. All inspectors make sure that the plan matches up to the previous standards. Reviewed the audit meeting, all positive feedback from the auditors in regards to Idaho’s program.
9) 2014 Required / Optional Inspections
Bradetich: All required 2014 004’s were completed and about 2/3 of the optionals were completed. Kirk: Let’s make more of an effort to assign an inspector to the optionals.
10) Idaho Lands Resource Coordinating Council
11) 2015 ITFC Task & Event Schedule review / meeting dates & locations
Madeline David: Distributed 2015 TF Leadership Handbook, committee members, please review calendar and input events as needed and email to back to Madeline.
Past Chair Bradetich: Please review the website for any updates.
12) Other Business
Bradetich: NLC – The Funks and David’s will attend. Past Chair Bradetich will attend the SFI SIC Meeting at the Forester’s Forum. Proposed discussion and/or changes to by- laws.
Chair Funk adjourned the meeting at 11:05 a.m.
Submitted by Amanda Cutting, ITFP Administrator

ITFC 10-16-14 Draft Minutes

ITFC 4-17-14 Mtg minutes