Executive Director’s Report July 11, 2023

*I am resubmitting much of the June content as a reminder of what has previously been reported.

Forest Service – Washington DC Update – N/A

Forest Service Funding – I understand notifications regarding grant awards will go out in August for the IRA submittals,
but that’s not official.

Forest Service Update – Spoke with Miranda Hutten on 7/3/23. She is emphasizing the importance of the board meeting with Walter Passmore and the creation of a report showing what the organization plans to do after Nancy Hughes departs. This is very important, as the 24/25 Forest Service funding is dependent on Walter seeing a professional transition and one that reflects on his goals. She wants me to have submitted the paperwork for the 24/25 funding prior to my departure in December 2023, as a lot is up in the air with the FS funding after that time. It’s simply better that I handle it as I know the process.

Cal Fire – No real update. Waiting for response form closeout packages and our most recent invoices.

*I spoke to Walter Passmore at the CA ReLeaf meeting regarding our outstanding invoices and the two close-out packets we submitted. He inferred he wasn’t hopeful the WCA, Inc. would be paid for the entire grant package submittal, though he had not yet reviewed it. I defended WCA, saying they went the extra mile to address the problems and to solve them to the best of their ability. Walter also shared that he wants to meet with our board at some point this year to discuss what the path forward will be for CaUFC once I’ve left. They are taking the change seriously and want to see that plans are in place for success.

State Policy & Advocacy – We had a meeting recently with Amanda Hansen and staff members from the Office of Planning and Research and the Natural Resources Agency, regarding General Plan requirements for cities as they pertain to urban forestry, for our second meeting. John Melvin and Walter Passmore attended and gave very important perspectives to the conversation, regarding the issues on the municipal level. Another meeting will be scheduled soon.

Another potentially huge issue is with Assembly Bill 1573, Water Conservation: landscape design: model ordinance, sponsored by the CA Native Plant Society.

Essentially, by 2026, 25% of all planting on government or business properties will have to be native, and by 2035 the number will increase to 75%! This includes trees! We, along with TreePeople and California ReLeaf, are pushing back on this, but so far, the author’s office is unwilling to change. Will keep you posted.

It would also be great if we could find more sponsors to support the costs of advocacy. Any ideas?

Conference – update on our call

Bookkeeping/Taxes/Audit, etc. – no update

Budget – to be discussed on call

Program Updates – Deb will update you on the Regional Councils’ remaining presentations; I attended the CA ReLeaf Retreat in Sacramento, and also the Mind the Divide team (Davey and us) attended the Ember Stomp event in San Rafael – addressing wildfire, home safety, nature, etc. A fun outdoor event for the entire family.

The Forest Service funded – “Mind the Divide” project event occurred on June 26, 2023, in Riverside at the Forest Service Building. Emily will update us.

Regional Councils – I had sent out financial information to each regional council, letting them know how much they each have remaining to spend by June 30th of their Forest Service funds. The good news is I extended that grant through 12/31/2023 so there’s more time to use the unspent funds! A couple of councils still need to schedule their webinars or workshops.

Outreach – Communications report.

Fundraising – Let me know how you want to proceed. The meeting that was scheduled was canceled.

• We received an unexpected payment form Clemson University for the work we did on the infographic for the Kaiser Study of Northern California members – $1.750.00
• Also, Nick has hooked us up with TCHO chocolate – they’ve interviewed me and are distributing some of Nick’s charcuterie boards with their chocolates – we may receive a donation from them at some point. Thanks Nick!

I had shared the documents we reviewed at the in-person board meeting in March with the April board packet. First committee meeting was scheduled for 6/12 at noon but was cancelled. Ideas?

Board Meetings – our next meeting will be August, 2023 via Zoom at 12 Noon.

Board Recruitment – This should begin in August, per the bylaws an ad hoc committee should be formed. How would you like to proceed?

Wells Fargo Bank Issue – I have included documents from Beneficial Bank for your review. If you like what you see I can proceed further. Please advise.

Reminder: board member’s agreement to contribute $500 either directly or through other opportunities (Regional Council members excluded unless they are eager!)

Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Hughes