Meeting Minutes - December 6, 2000
Poynette Elementary/Middle School

Attendees: Russell Bellman, Nancy Braker, Steve Braker, Jim Burnett, Steve Mueller, Ira Kastenberg, Tom Kemp, Yvette Lokotz, Paul Lokotz, Steve Mueller, Theresa Plenty, and Bob Shaw.

Meeting called to order at 6:40 pm

Speaker:
Vicki Elkin, Director of the Gathering Waters. The Gathering Waters is a land conservation organization formed in 1995 to assist land trusts, landowners and communities in their efforts to protect Wisconsin's land and water resources.

The Gathering Waters uses its Education and Outreach Program to communicate with many groups: land trust staffs and boards, other conservation professionals, landowners and the general public. Gathering Waters provides training and networking opportunities by hosting regional and statewide land trust conferences and conducts special workshops across the state. To reach landowners and inform the general public about land and water conservation.

There is a conference scheduled for April 20-22 that offers ideas about increasing membership and other topics that may help the Friends Group. Gathering Waters will keep the group posted with other upcoming conferences and workshops. For more information go to the Gathering Waters Website at http://www.gatheringwaters.org.

Updates:

• Nancy Braker reported that Gary Sorenson submitted his resignation for treasurer and from the Friends of Rowan Creek group. Gary said he is interested in assisting with an occasional project and that Nancy will find out the status of the Website. Nancy Braker said she will ask Allison Russell if she is interested in filling the treasurer position. board members will need to vote on the treasurer.
  
  
• Nancy Braker also reported that Nancy Wachholtz is leaving the board member post. Steve Braker nominated Yvette Lokotz to replace Nancy Wachholtz. Paul Lokotz seconded the motion. Motion carried.
  
  
• Steve Braker will look into getting the group a Website address and Internet Service Provider.
  
  
• Jim Burnett reported that the DNR is seriously considering a Rowan Creek Master Plan in 2001-2002. The Master Plan would include all creeks in the watershed. He will keep the group posted.
  
  
• Jim Burnett reported that he is looking into the purchase of land owned by Kym Sopha behind the Poynette-Dekorra Fire Department Building. This is a small area that will allow additional public access and watershed protection.

Steve Mueller motioned Resolution 1 that the Friends of Rowan Creek be willing to consider fund raising for to purchase the Sopha land. Dave Egan seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Paul Lokotz motioned Resolution 2 that the Friends of Rowan Creek authorize the executive board to commit to a fund raising amount of $1,000 in support of Resolution 1 once the group hears back from the DNR. Steve Braker seconded. Motion carried.

Jim Burnett will contact Nancy Braker to notify her of the DNR's intentions. Jim Burnett said a letter expressing interest in this purchase to the DNR would be helpful. The letter should say the Friends of Rowan Creek support the DNR's purchase of the Sopha land and that the group would commit $1,000 for assisting in purchasing the Sopha land.

Nancy Braker will write a letter to the DNR.

Jim Burnett and Russel Bellman suggested that the Friends of Rowan Creek have a representative to show the land to any potential donors. Tom Kemp agreed to be a representative.

Publicity:

• Steve Braker passed around several 4-color bookmarks featuring Rowan Creek wildlife photos taken by John Wachholtz. John Wachholz has donated wildlife slides to the group for slide shows or promotions.
  
  
• Dave Egan agreed to produce the group's newsletter. The newsletter will be produced with funds from the grant. The group decided that there would be two issues a year starting April or late March 2001. Dave Egan encouraged the group to submit articles. It was suggested that there be a story about John Wachholz. The newsletter will be mailed to all the membership including all the Village Board members.
  
  
• Theresa Plenty reported that she secured all speakers for the Jan. 17 stormwater management presentation. Steve Mueller will try to get the event posted on the Poynette cable channel. Nancy Braker reported that this event is covered in the grant and there will be funds for refreshments and promotion.
  
  
• Steve Mueller and Nancy Braker reported that the Rowan Creek Winter Walk event will be February 10. The walk will begin near the trailhead. Nancy Braker reported that this event is covered in the grant and there will be funds for refreshments and promotion. Paul Lokotz volunteered to contact the Legion to use its fire pit.
  
  
• The group decided to do a spring event during the Poynette Garage Sale days. The group would provide pie and coffee next to the library. Bring ideas to the February meeting.
  
  
• Paul Lokotz is looking into getting Friends of Rowan Creek caps and shirts.

Meetings:
Yvette Lokotz volunteered to look into an established meeting space at the Village Hall for upcoming meetings. The group agreed to meet at the Pauquette shelter on Main Street come June, July and August.

The next meeting is scheduled for February 21 at the Village Hall (watch for postings to be sure). Nancy Braker will schedule a speaker.

Russell Bellman suggested a Bridge Brown, park and recreation specialist and Dale Peterson, NRCS Portage, as a possible future speakers

Meeting Adjourned 8:40 pm.

Respectfully sumitted, Theresa Plenty, secretary