Executive Director’s Report August 8, 2023
*I am resubmitting much of the June and July’s content as a reminder of what has previously been reported and extremely important.
Forest Service Funding – Expect to hear soon if we will receive IRA funding. 50/50 chance but a great proposal that can be used elsewhere if the board so desires.
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.
We also have further requirements on our Forest Service funding that require approval for all written documents and website changes, etc., things that are distributed to the public. This includes Regional Council materials paid for out of the Forest Service funds. Please leave ample time for submittal to Miranda Hutten prior to going to print or publishing documents.
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.
Sarah Gaskin, Dorothy Abeyta, and I met with Walter Passmore and Julia Gowan met to discuss our grant that is currently on hold with Cal Fire till the two challenged grants are resolved. Cal Fire was open to the concept of changing the vendor to deliver on the grant results, with an edited proposal to be submitted. OF COURSE, this will be brought to the board for approval, but it allows the new executive director to have something to do; a significant program to run while plans are being crafted by the board for a new forward trajectory. I gave a verbal report about this on the July board call.
I had a conversation with Tanner Mar from Cal Fire regarding the potential for other funding opportunities due to the fact that Cal Fire has some excess funds. He will get back to me regarding potential opportunities.
State Policy & Advocacy – Tasha is scheduling another meeting with OPR along with Amanda Hansen.
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.
The legislator is currently on summer break. I am trying to find out where this is in the process.
It would also be great if we could find more sponsors to support the costs of advocacy. Any ideas?
Conference – schedule
Bookkeeping/Taxes/Audit, etc. – no update
Budget – to be discussed on call
Program Updates – Deb will update you on the Regional Councils’ remaining presentations.
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
- Asha has taken the lead on the Strategic Growth Council’s Community Assistance for Climate Equity Program initial grant submittal! Thank you, Asha!
- Let me know how you want to proceed with an overall committee formation, please. The meeting that was scheduled for May was canceled.
You all have the previously shared fundraising tools and templates, which are good but need updating.
Board Meetings – our next meeting will be September 12, 2023 via Zoom at 12 Noon.
Board Recruitment – This should begin this month; per the bylaws an ad hoc committee should be formed. How would you like to proceed?
Wells Fargo Bank Issue – I have previously sent documents from Beneficial Bank for your review and they were briefly discussed on the last call. We need to make a board decision. 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