CT AMC Conservation Committee

3/8/06 CT Chapter AMC Conservation Committee Meeting Agenda/Minutes

7:00 - 7:45: Guest speaker - Christine Woodside; Appalachia editor & Author of Homeowner's Guide Guide to Energy Independence - Christine spoke to our group of 10 for approximately a hour, introducing us to her background, reading from her book and answering questions regarding everything from "Peak Oil Theory" to burning wood as home heating source to nuclear energy (not typically a home energy source). She had books for purchase and was gracious enough to autograph them for those who wanted. Her presentation was engaging and had everyone asking questions and eager to know more. We hope to have more interaction with Christine in the future.

Business Meeting

7:45 - 7:50: Recent Events/Accomplishments
    1. Conservation Workshop
    2. Eagle Festival
    3. ATV CAN announcement
    4. Outdoors Magazine Profile

7:50 - 8:00: Upcoming Advertising/Announcements Print Deadlines
    1. Deadline for Summer Newsletter is 3/10, Andrew to write an article for Conservation (ideas?)
    2. Deadline for Outdoors May issue to webmaster@ct-AMC.org is 3/10 John
    3. Deadline for Outdoors June issue to webmaster@ct-AMC.org is 4/10

8:00 - 8:10: Ways to Save Energy - Russ explained the many different energy saving devices on his display and how each one can contribute to the conservation of resources that ultimately supports his (& our) conservation goals. There were water saving faucet & shower nozzles, energy efficient lighting, a timer for hot water heaters, amongst other devices. He plans to enhance and put a few finishing touches on his display for the April meeting & maiden use on Earth Day 06.

8:10 - 8:45: Upcoming Events
    1. CT Chapter Annual Retreat - this weekend, no volunteer to represent Conservation Committee on Saturday and/or Sunday?
    2. Design & Order Roadside signs & Pinnies - John (anyone wishing to help please contact John)
    3. Special funds request due end of March -. Do we want to ask for clean up money (garbage bags, etc.), other ideas? - Andrew
    4. Next CAN Announcement, what is highest on our priority list?
            - Sunday Hunting, Highlands, Clean Air, ATVs, etc. - ATVs are high priority
            - John to draft message (then will submit to Exec Committee for approval)
    5. Spring Dinner, Saturday 4/8 (Cheshire Grange)
    5.5 Earth Day 4/22, ECSU Table, Andrew?
    6. Clean up w/ flat water committee, Aimee ( July date TBD)
    7. AMC club wide spring gathering (& Conservation Mtg) in Lake George, NY 4/28 - 4/30 (Interest in a Committee Cabin?) John
    8. "Give a Day to Trails" Day is May 13 (Conservation Committee Cleanup Crew) Need to establish location and submit to Outdoors by Friday, ( John )
    8.5 May 20th: Still River Clean Up, Danbury (sponsored by EMS), John
    9. June 3rd: Trails Day (Highland Hike?) (Andrew)
    10. June 14: Hike - Invasive species hike in (Wadsworth Falls SP? @ 5:15) & committee meeting (Andrew)
    11. July 12: VizVol hike on (Chauncey Peak? @ 5:15 PM) ( John) & committee meeting
    12. August 9: Committee Picnic/Social (Location & invite other committees, club, public?) Volunteer to lead effort? TABLED UNTIL APRIL MTG
    13. New Members Day activities, 9/16 & Dinner 9/23. Volunteer to lead effort? TABLED UNTIL APRIL MTG
    14. Adopt a section of the Farmington River? TABLED UNTIL APRIL MTG

8:45 - 8:50: Asking CT Chapter Exec. Committee to back the "CT Clean Cars Alliance"
o Will need materials gathered presented to exec. committee. (Contact is Terri Kinney at the CT Fund for the Environment - 203-787-0646) Info to be resent to committee by John TABLED UNTIL APRIL MTG

8:50 - 8:55: CT Conservation Yahoo Group, is everyone signed up?
o Sign up from website, should we add the names of people that have signed up to receive more info on conservation. Volunteer to lead effort?
TABLED UNTIL APRIL MTG

8:55 - 9:00: New Business/Round table